asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many conservation areas there are in Great Britain; and if he is satisfied with the effectiveness of conservation areas in (a) ensuring house renovation and (b) improving the environment in those areas.

Conservation areas in Scotland and Wales are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales, but the total number of conservation areas designated by local authorities at 31 December 1979 in Great Britain was 5,460, as follows:

England	4,759
Scotland	438
Wales	263

There are 11 conservation areas in Northern Ireland. Conservation grants are at the moment only payable in outstanding conservation areas and can be used for house renovation and environmental improvement.In the Local Government Bill, published on Friday 25 January, it is proposed to extend the scope of these grants to all conservation areas and not to restrict them to the outstanding areas.Government grants are also available on the recommendation of the Historic Buildings Council for the repair of outstanding houses, whether or not they are in a conservation area.