§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what Government grant was made for reclamation of derelict land in the West Midlands in 1978–79 and 1979–80; and what provision has been made for the current and subsequent years.
§ Mr. FoxIn the last two financial years grant has been made available to local authorities in the West Midlands for expenditure totalling £2.57 million and £3.51 million respectively. The total allocation for this year of £5.1 million is subject to the reduced expenditure forecasts which we have asked local authorities to provide. Provision for future years has not so far been settled.
77WIn those parts of the region designated as a derelict land clearance area, grant is at the rate of 100 per cent. of approved expenditure.
§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will consider the reclamation of derelict land in the West Midlands on the basis of 100 per cent. grant.
§ Mr. FoxThose parts of the West Midlands with the most serious dereliction problems are already designated as derelict land clearance areas for the purpose of receiving 100 per cent. grants for derelict land reclamation. The Government have at present no proposals to extend 100 per cent. grants to the parts of the region with less serious problems where grants are at 50 per cent.
The total approved expenditure on derelict land reclamation by local authorities in the region in 1979–80 amounted to some £3.5 million, of which more than £3.25 million (95 per cent.) qualified for 100 per cent. grants.