HC Deb 01 November 1994 vol 248 cc1113-4W
Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much land, in hectares, was owned by(a) the North of Scotland hydro-electricity board and (b) the South of Scotland electricity board just prior to privatisation.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 28 October 1994]: Information about the area of land owned by the former NSHEB and SSEB, just prior to privatisation, is not held by my Department.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures the Scottish Office takes to ensure land is used productively in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 28 October 1994]: The use to which land is put in Scotland is generally for the

Number of NHS sight tests1 in Scotland by Health Board area
Health Board 1987–88 1988–89 21989–90 1990–91 1991–92 1992–93 1993–94
Argyll and Clyde 95,153 98,926 36,636 39,703 46,243 50,139 55,284
Ayrshire and Arran 80,202 85,746 34,754 34,606 38,236 41,530 45,739
Borders 16,123 17,981 7,176 5,240 6,316 7,673 7,945
Dumfries and Galloway 29,324 31,000 11,761 11,336 13,637 15,192 16,003
Fife 72,534 76,854 24,821 28,556 34,049 36,482 38,082
Forth Valley 54,525 58,847 26,276 18,426 21,637 23,141 25,317
Grampian 96,777 108,592 30,582 33,367 36,977 39,738 41,492
Greater Glasgow 237,924 252,843 131,605 110,697 122,878 135,240 144,399
Highland 36,185 36,599 15,841 13,091 15,476 17,234 18,748
Lanarkshire 119,371 119,307 47,680 47,983 56,269 59,510 64,234
Lothian 162,353 176,902 74,531 56,682 66,297 71,554 77,065
Orkney 2,674 2,972 862 873 1,034 1,091 1,103
Shetland 7,000 7,069 2,808 2,420 2,834 2,460 2,560
Tayside 83,680 90,498 28,103 28,132 32,642 35,414 39,391

landowner to determine, within any constraints that may be imposed by wide-ranging legislation. The United Kingdom strategy on sustainable development sets out the Government's agenda for using such land in productive but environmentally responsible ways, and the Scottish Office is committed to its implementation. The rolling review of national planning policy guidelines and development plans is a prime example of that commitment.

Mrs. Ewing

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how he ensures that land disposed of by the Scottish Office in Scotland has been put to productive use; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 28 October 1994]: Revised guidance on the disposal of surplus land and buildings was circulated within the Scottish Office and associated Departments last year. This guidance establishes the principles and procedures to be followed when disposing of such assets. Before a property is offered for sale, officials must seek explicit advice on its development potential, and, where appropriate, secure outline planning permission for a suitable use. The sale may entail associated conditions. Within any such constraints, it is then for the new owner to consider subsequent use or development, and to obtain any necessary permissions from the appropriate planning authority. For its part, the authority is required to consider any proposals for development against the land use framework set by the approved development plan for its area, and any other material considerations.