asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken in the last two months to expedite the clearance of derelict sites; and how much this work will contribute to the reduction of unemployment.

My right hon. Friend has continued to encourage local authorities in the priority areas to make full use of the generous grants for clearing derelict land. In November and December, 1971, 51 schemes by local authorities in England were approved at an estimated cost of over £1·3 million. It is not possible to say how much more employment this will create.