asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will outline the criteria for specification of land as a derelict land clearance area; how much land has been so designated in North Wales and in East Flintshire; and what is the amount of grant paid by the Welsh Office in this respect in acquisition of and improvement of derelict land for industrial development.

Section 2(1) of the Local Employment Act, 1970, lays down criteria for designating derelict land clearance areas. No area in North Wales other than that part of East Flintshire within the Chester employment exchange area has been so designated. No grants have been paid in this area by virtue of such designation.