HC Deb 23 November 1978 vol 958 cc720-1W
Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what considerations prompted the transfer of the headquarters of the Central Lancashire new town development corporation to Cuerden Hall from Cuerden Pavilion; and what were the financial consequences.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The location of its headquarters is a matter for the Central Lancashire Development Corporation. It planned to use Cuerden Hall as its head-quarters from its formation in 1971; it occupied the hall when it was vacated by the Army in 1977. The corporation regards the hall and the pavilion as together offering an economical solution to its office needs.

Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many people are currently employed in factory units constructed under the direc- tion of the Central Lancashire new town development corporation.

Mr. Guy Barnett

Nine hundred and seventy-nine people are employed in factories built on land developed by the Central Lancashire Development Corporation. Further factories are under construction.

Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what undertakings relating to the refurbishing of old property in the Chorley district have been entered into by the Central Lancashire new town development corporation in liaison with the appropriate local authority.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The development corporation has so far modernised 33 properties in the Cowling Brow general improvement area in conjunction with Chorley borough council's activities in the area. It also has a team working with the borough council staff to establish how best to continue the programme.

Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many houses constructed under the agency of the Central Lancashire new town development corporation have remained unoccupied after completion for a period of longer than four months.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The Department does not have this information.

Mr. George Rodgers

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many factories have now been completed under the auspices of the Central Lancashire new town development corporation; and how many are planned or in the course of construction.

Mr. Guy Barnett

The development corporation has built 63 factory units for lease; 70 more are under construction. The development corporation plans in response to demand and I do not think it would be helpful to attempt to predict the precise number of factories or their size.