§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when Walsall council will be notified as to whether the borough is to be designated under the Inner Urban Areas Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KingThe review of the operation of the Inner Urban Areas Act and of the selection of districts for designation under the Act is continuing. I cannot yet say when a statement will be made.
§ Mr. Winnickasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what studies have been undertaken by his Department regarding the housing, land and environmental difficulties in the borough of Walsall; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe Department of the Environment has carried out no specific studies of this type in Walsall. Each year since 1977 the Department has jointly examined with the local authority all aspects of the housing situation in Walsall through the medium of the council's housing investment programme submissions. My noble Friend Lord Bellwin has also visited Walsall earlier this year to discuss current issues with representatives of the local authority.