§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Government's commitment to develop brownfield land. [152467]
§ Keith HillThe Government want to make the best use of disused brownfield land in and around our towns and cities. This will help to ease pressures on the countryside and avoid urban sprawl. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister wants to create more welcoming and attractive places in which people can take pride. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is working closely with English Partnerships to develop a national strategy 851W for brownfield land. English Partnerships has published the results of the first stage of work on the strategy, which provides a better understanding of what land is available. Through English Partnerships and the Regional Development Agencies we are remediating brownfield land at a rate of over 1,400 hectares a year.