§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what programmes have been prepared by his Department to assist local authorities that have schemes to regenerate decaying areas of land and properties in their areas commencing in the year 1991–92; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartLocal authorities in Scotland receive support for their land and property renewal activities through Scottish Office general services allocations.
In addition, there is a wide range of other bodies able to undertake or assist environmental renewal projects.
The Government's main instrument for land and property renewal in Scotland is the Scottish Development Agency, which is able to allocate its own priorities and resources to undertake or assist environmental improvement and land reclamation projects. The work of the agency in this area will be continued, from 1 April this year, under Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, mainly through the local enterprise companies.
The Countryside Commission for Scotland also undertakes projects for environmental renewal of decaying 45W areas of land, most notably through its countryside around towns programme, which is undertaken in conjunction with local authorities, the SDA, local voluntary bodies and UK 2000 Scotland. Detailed plans for the implementation of the central Scotland woodlands initiative, which aims to bring about substantial improvements to degraded landscapes in central Scotland, are currently under consideration by the Government.
Historic Buildings and Monuments assists with work to repair buildings in outstanding conservation areas, both directly and with local authorities through its town scheme programme. Assistance for environmental improvement works is also available in certain circumstances from Scottish Homes, the urban programme and the European regional development fund to assist land and property renewal projects.
There therefore exists a comprehensive package of support for environmental renewal in Scotland.