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Derelict Land

Volume 984: debated on Monday 12 May 1980

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asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from (a) local authorities and (b) right hon. and hon. Members on the future of derelict land clearance areas.

I have received representations from 10 local authorities and five right hon. and hon. Members asking for areas which are due to lose assisted area status in 1982 to be then designated as derelict land clearance areas.The question of which areas should be so designated is being considered in conjunction with the Department of Industry and a statement will be made in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether, in his consideration of grants for derelict land clearance areas, he will take into account projects which are at present eligible for support but which are due for completion after August 1982.

Projects in areas which lose assisted area status on 1 August 1982 and are not designated as derelict land clearance areas for the purpose of continued access to 100 per cent. grants will be eligible for grant after that date at the rate of 50 per cent. The transitional arrangements for projects affected by such a change of status and due for completion after it will be announced in due course.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria he intends to adopt in his selection of areas eligible for future grants for derelict land clearance.

All areas of England will continue to be eligible for these grants, but the rates will vary, as now, according to the status of each area for reclamation purposes. Those areas which are due to lose assisted area status in 1982 are being considered for designation as derelict land clearance areas for the purpose of continuing their eligibility for 100 per cent. grants. The criteria to be adopted in making the selection are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry, but a principal feature is the extent of dereliction in the area concerned.