HC Deb 06 May 1981 vol 4 c95W
21. Mr. Bevan

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he will be taking following the completion of the registers of vacant and under-used land.

Mr. Heseltine

21 registers have already been published, and I am expecting to publish the rest of the first 33 before long.

I hope that publication, coupled with supporting work by the local authorities and business communities, will in most cases he enough to lead to the release of land for development or reuse. But I shall be ready to exercise my power of direction where necessary.

Further areas will be designated for registers when there has been time to profit by experience with the first 33.

£ million at 1980 Survey Prices
1979–80 1980–81 1981–82
(a) Exchequer subsidy to local authority housing 1274 1268 896
(b) Rate fund contribution 330 358
(c) Rent Rebates
Central Government 92 174 273
Rate Fund contribution 100 61
(d) Option mortgage subsidy 186 200 210