§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what percentage of land in the area of the Walsall Metropolitan District Council is regarded as derelict; how many areas in England and Wales have a higher proportion of derelict land than Walsall; and what assistance has been given by his Department to reclaim land in Walsall.
§ Mr. Marks3.7 per cent. of the land in the area of Walsall Metropolitan District Council is regarded as derelict. Seven districts in England and four in Wales are estimated to have a higher proportion of derelict land. Grants of 50 247W per cent. of the cost of acquiring and reclaiming derelict land are currently available in respect of the district council area. Since 1st April 1974 the Department has approved as eligible for grant expenditure by the county council and the district council amounting to £400,000.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how much derelict land has been reclaimed in the Walsall metropolitan district area; if he is satisfied with the progress towards reclaiming derelict land in Walsall; and if he will declare a derelict land clearance area in the Black Country and adjoining districts.
§ Mr. MarksBetween 1st January 1972 and 31st March 1976 130 hectares of derelict land were reclaimed in the Walsall Metropolitan District area. We will not be satisfied until it is possible to deal with all derelict land but regard must be had to the available resources. The responsibility for specifying an area as a derelict land clearance area rests with the Secretary of State for Industry, who has the matter under consideration.