HC Deb 27 October 1986 vol 103 cc69-70W
Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effects of a decision by the South Yorkshire residuary body to transfer factories from the ownership of former county councils to the private sector on the continuing eligibility of such factories for grants from the European regional development fund.

Mr. Chope

Assets transferred to the private sector are not normally eligible for grants from the European regional development fund.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will direct the South Yorkshire residuary body to transfer all the former county council's factories to the district councils under section 67 of the Local Government Act 1985.

Mr. Chope

I have no plans to do so.

Mr. Mason

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance has been given by his Department to the South Yorkshire residuary body in relation to proposed sales on the open market of factories constructed with European regional development grant funds; what has been the response to this guidance of the South Yorkshire residuary body; what further action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Chope

Property guidance to all residuary bodies was issued by my Department on 7 August. The South Yorkshire residuary body is aware of the implications for ERDF funding of the sale of industrial estates on the open market.