§ Mr. Kilroy-Silkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many hectares 830W of derelict and despoiled land there were in 1974 in (a) West Lancashire, (b) Knowsley, (c) Sefton and (d) St. Helens; how many hectares have been reclaimed in each case to date; how many of these were with the aid of his Department's 50 per cent. grant; and if he is satisfied with progress.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettThe information requested is set out in the table attached. Additionally, proposals for the reclamation of a further 81 hectares of land have been notified to the Department, although final scheme approvals have not yet been sought.
I am not entirely satisfied with the rate of progress in these areas, but tentative proposals which are now emerging certainly are more encouraging. I should emphasise that prior to 15 December 1975 derelict land grant was available at 75 per cent. in the intermediate areas and 85 per cent. in the special development areas and that is the reason for distinguishing 831W between the rates of grant in column 3 of the table. On 15 December
Local authority Derelict and despoiled land within authority's boundaries (1974 Survey) Total land reclaimed to date Total land reclaimed with the benefit of derelict land grant at 75 or 85 per cent. Total land reclaimed with the benefit of derelict land grant at 100 per cent. Total land reclaimed without the benefit of derelict land grant Hectares West Lancashire DC 383.00 2.82 1.82 (75%) — 1.0 St. Helens MBC 310.81 73.34 1.6 (85%) 71.74 — Knowsley MBC 36.83 14.5 — — 14.5 Sefton MBC 40.07 3.89 — 2.0 1.89 Totals 770.71 94.55 3.42 73.74 17.39