HC Deb 16 May 1973 vol 856 cc1492-3
13. Mr. Cockeram

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment when he expects to complete the studies designed to formulate a total approach to the problems of the urban inner areas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Rippon

I am now considering the proposals in the consultants' project reports for programmes of study and experimental action to be carried out over a period of two-to-three years. I hope to announce details of the next stage of the studies in July.

Mr. Cockeram

Will my right hon. and learned Friend note that this study was started largely by a group of voluntary enthusiasts in Liverpool, and that they have now been awaiting replies to the most recent report for the best part of 12 months? Will he take cognisance of the fact that we want to retain this enthusiasm to assist in this situation?

Mr. Rippon

I am sure that we should take advantage of the valuable work done by the voluntary bodies, not least in the Liverpool area and the area with which my hon. Friend is concerned. It will certainly form part of the consideration of the studies and will be placed in this broader context. I entirely agree with what my hon. Friend says about a total approach to the urban areas. That is of the utmost importance.

Mr. Freeson

Is the Secretary of State aware that at least part of his reply will be very disturbing to many people, in the House and elsewhere? Does he consider it satisfactory that, having undertaken a study over a period on a theme which has now become widely accepted, as he admits—the needs of the inner city—there should be yet further years of study? Is it not right that some conclusions should be reached about the machinery of local and national government to deal with the inner city problems?

Mr. Rippon

I am sure that the studies must continue, perhaps for years to come. That is the way in which we learn more about these problems. I should certainly like to see progress made and I agree that we cannot always wait for some action somewhere until we have received all the studies imaginable.

Dame Irene Ward

Will my right hon. and learned Friend take into consideration the Report on Urban Transport Planning which was presented some time ago by the Sub-Committee on the Environment and the Home Office of the Expenditure Committee? If he does, will he also make some representations to the Treasury to the effect that, if public transport is to be considered in the proper terms taxis should be relieved of VAT, because taxis are part of public transport? We want a proper approach to this matter and not more studies, because a good deal of information is available in that report.

Mr. Rippon

I shall certainly take into account the report to which my hon. Friend has referred. It was certainly a valuable one. As to representations to the Treasury, I am making those all the time about one thing or another.

Mr. Kaufman

Is the Secretary of State aware that what, above all, is needed to deal with the problems of inner urban areas, such as my constituency, is sufficient money? Is he aware that the pollution and dereliction which make the lives of thousands of my constituents a daily misery can be solved only if the Government provide sufficient finance to sweep them away?

Mr. Rippon

Money is a problem for all Governments. I agree with the hon. Gentleman that we must so deploy our resources as to ensure that priority is given to the most urgent needs. I believe that these now arise in housing in the inner urban areas.