HC Deb 19 February 1985 vol 73 cc410-1W
Mr. Iain Mills

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will publish the amount of available industrial land in the west midlands county council area.

Mr. Macfarlane

This information is not collected by my Department. However, I understand that surveys by local authorities show that there are about 3.500 acres of vacant industrial land in the Black Country and a further 500 acres in Birmingham. Much of this land is not immediately available for development because of dereliction and other problems.

Mr. Iain Mills

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many representations he has received from those wishing to develop high technology industrial sites in the midlands; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Macfarlane

This information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The Department's policy on high technology development is contained in the annex to circular 16/84.