§ Q4. Mr. Sydney Chapmanasked the Prime Minister if he will undertake an official visit to the Handsworth district of Birmingham.
§ The Prime MinisterI have at present no plans to do so, Sir.
§ Mr. ChapmanIs my right hon. Friend aware of the grossly distorted and exaggerated reports about Handsworth that have appeared in newspapers during the last fortnight? If he cannot make a special visit to Handsworth, when he comes to Birmingham will he look in and see what is being done with Government aid, by local authority projects and, above all, by voluntary organisations, to alleviate the serious social problems in a part of Handsworth? More specifically, will he consider the extra resources which we need for specific projects?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure that the House will have noted the first of my hon. Friend's remarks. I was in Birmingham recently, but I regret to say that I was unable to visit Handsworth specifically. But my hon Friend is right in saying that a great deal is now being done under the urban programme with various projects, including a neighour-hood centre, a play centre, a day care centre, the provision of a youth worker, an adventure playground, a community venture, a family planning service, and a large number of nursery schools.
§ Mr. PavittAs the Prime Minister is finding time not to visit Handsworth but to come to my constituency on, I think, 5th May, will he take time when there to look at the problem of homelessness which has developed—either on his way to or on return from the Cup Final?
§ The Prime MinisterI am always prepared to consider suggestions from the hon. Gentleman about any particular aspects of his constituency which I ought to visit and study. In fact, I am not proposing to attend the Cup Final.