asked the President of the Board of Trade how many schemes for the clearance of derelict sites under Section 5 of the Distribution of Industry Act, 1945, whether by his Department or by grant, have been approved this year; and what is the total cost of such schemes.

None as yet, but over 50 are under discussion with local authorities.

Is it not several months since the Government announced that they would approve such grants? How soon does the right hon. Gentleman think the work will actually start on any of these schemes?

Applications are being dealt with urgently, but this is a matter on which we must get agreement with each local authority before work can start.

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that unless the Government are much more urgent in their activities than they show signs of being there will be many more derelict sites in Lancashire before very long?

We have the Lancashire problem in mind and I assure the hon. Member that we are considering it urgently.