Written question asked by Jim Cunningham (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 January 1996. It was answered by Paul Beresford (Conservative) on Monday, 15 January 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: How many vacant shops there are in inner-city areas in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) Coventry. - Inc fact that we do not hold such information for England centrally and that Coventry city council will shortly be publishing information about vacant shops in its unitary development plan.

Answer: Mr. Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many vacant shops there are in inner-city areas in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) Coventry. [8592] Sir Paul Beresford: We do not hold such information for England centrally. As part of our advice on planning town centres and retail developments in planning policy and guidance note No. 6--PPG6--we advise local authorities to monitor vacant properties in their town centres. I understand that Coventry city council will shortly be publishing information about vacant shops in its unitary development plan. The information relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends, the Secretaries of State for Wales, for Scotland and for Northern Ireland.

Secondary information