HC Deb 04 February 1987 vol 109 c722W
35. Mr. Robert Atkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received about his policy of encouraging local authorities to release surplus land for development.

Mr. John Patten

My right hon. Friend has received representations from individual local authorities, hon. Members and others in respect of over 160 sites, where he has given notice of his intention to direct those local authorities to dispose of their interest in the land. He has also received representations, some supporting and some opposing his policy, from the local authority associations, the House Builders Federation and from professional organisations, companies and individuals concerned with the development of under-used land. Representations have also been received from members of the public requesting my right hon. Friend to use his powers to register sites and to direct disposal.