HL Deb 23 February 1981 vol 417 c971WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What have been the consequences so far of the request by the Development Commission that its "Special Investment Areas" and the rural parts of "Assisted Areas" be designated as "Rural Areas" under the Housing Act 1980 and what further results are expected.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of the Environment (Lord Bellwin)

Of the 18 districts of which, as my honourable friend the Minister for Housing and Construction announced last week, parts are to be designated as rural areas, 16 consist either wholly or in part of a special investment area. In deciding on which areas should be designated, my honourable friend considered all the representations he had received, including those from the Development Commission.