HC Deb 03 May 1973 vol 855 cc1435-7
3. Sir G. Sinclair

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the provision of help to areas of special need in the inner cities, including those in which substantial numbers of recent immigrants live.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Lane)

In the three financial years 1970–71 to 1972–73 projects totalling about £18 million have been authorised in England and Wales under the urban programme for areas of special social need. In the same period local authorities with substantial numbers of Commonwealth immigrants in their areas have spent over £24 million on employing special staff under Section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966. In each case the expenditure qualifies for Exchequer grant at 75 per cent.

Sir G. Sinclair

I welcome that statement, but does my hon. Friend think that this action is anywhere near adequate for tackling the problems that we see before us? Is not the main need for a vigorous joint programme worked out between himself and the Secretary of State for the Environment to prevent deterioration and to revitalise these decaying urban centres?

Mr. Lane

I agree with my hon. Friend. We are working closely with other Departments on this whole problem, and I am glad that he has drawn attention to it. The figures that I quoted, of financial support over the past three years, were at roughly twice the level of the previous three years. If we can continue this upward trend in Government help we shall be very pleased.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

Will the Minister consider the special difficulties faced by local authorities to which many of the Ugandan Asian refugees have gone—in areas where, as we understand it, the housing situation is still very difficult, with very high rents being claimed and educational needs not being fully met? Will he consider the view of these local authorities, which is that they need more central Government help if they are properly to cope with the problem?

Mr. Lane

Yes. These views have been put to me by a number of local authorities. A special extra £2 million for relevant expenditure was included in the 1973–74 rate support grant settlement, particularly for helping those local authorities which had to deal with many Ugandan Asian refugees. But we shall continue to be in touch with the local authorities.

Mr. Kinsey

In assessing the needs of these areas, what immigrant population figures does the Minister rely on? Is he satisfied with the adequacy and accuracy of those figures?

Mr. Lane

The original Question dealt with help under Section 11 of the 1966 Act. That is the entitlement of any local authority with more than 2 per cent. of immigrant children in its schools. In general, there have been analyses of the total immigrant population in the recent 1971 census.