§ Mr. Andersonasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many hectares of derelict land there were in Wales at the latest available date and in 1966 and 1974.
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§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe Welsh Development Agency, which is responsible for derelict land reclamation, estimates that there are currently around 13,000 hectares of derelict land in Wales. Equivalent figures for 1966 and 1974 are not readily available. However, a comprehensive survey of derelict land in the Principality carried out in 1971 indicated that at that time about 17,000 hectares could be considered derelict.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what are the cash resources available for derelict land reclamation for each county and in total in Wales for 1984–85.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe total funds available for derelict land reclamation in Wales in 1984–85 will be announced when the Supply Estimates are published shortly. The detailed allocation of the resources for land reclamation between the individual counties is a matter for the agency to determine.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales, further to the answer of 7 February, Official Report, column 546, what is the total quantity of unreclaimed derelict land in Wales by county.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI have asked the Welsh Development Agency to provide the information requested to the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what factors are taken into account in determining the resources available for derelict land reclamation in Wales.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsExpenditure on land reclamation by the Welsh Development Agency and through urban development grant is determined by reference to the level of resources available and to priorities. Account is taken of safety considerations, to the resultant employment and to the longer-term benefits arising from the improvement of the environment.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what are the budget allocations for derelict land reclamation in Wales by county for the last three years.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsI have asked the Welsh Development Agency to provide the information requested to the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what was the percentage change in the finances available for derelict land reclamation in Wales by county between 1983 and 1984 and between 1984 and 1985.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe total funds available for derelict land reclamation in Wales in 1984–85 will be announced when the Supply Estimates are published shortly. I have, however, asked the Welsh Development Agency to write to the hon. Gentleman with whatever information it can on the division of expenditure between counties.