§ 44. Mr. Hickmetasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will make a statement about the operation of the derelict land grant scheme, the funds devoted thereto, and benefits derived therefrom; and whether any advantages have been derived by Scunthorpe.
§ Sir George YoungThe reclamation of derelict land makes an important contribution to urban renewal by providing sites for development and improving the environment. It also relieves pressure for development in the countryside. Up to 1,300 hectares are reclaimed each year. My right hon. Friend has recently increased the resources available this year for such work by £5½ million to £82 million. Several important schemes are under way or under consideration in Scunthorpe, including the reclamation by Pipe and Rail Ltd. of 36 hectares, the largest private sector DLG scheme ever to have been approved.