§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has to develop vacant and derelict public land for recreation purposes.
§ Mr. BaldryWe have recently announced our intention to establish an Urban Regeneration Agency with powers to reclaim vacant, derelict and underused land in urban areas. As indicated in planning policy guidance note 17 "Sport and Recreation", published in September 1991, the Government encourage the development of sport and recreation in the widest sense and advises local planning authorities on the policies they should incorporate in their development plans for the provision of space and facilities for sport and recreation. The Urban Regeneration Agency will promote the use of land it reclaims for these purposes where appropriate.