§ 13. Mr. MilburnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what estimate he has made of the number of new jobs which have been created through regeneration policies since April 1992.
§ Sir Paul BeresfordIn view of the close similarity to Question 8, I refer the hon. Gentleman to the answer I gave a few moments ago.
§ Mr. MilburnIs the Minister aware that competition between areas for single regeneration budget funding has produced a dog eat dog scenario, where there are many more losers than there are winners? What assurances can he give the House that areas such as Darlington, which have so far not qualified for funding for regeneration schemes, will do so in the future?
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe hon. Gentleman should reflect on the fact that the competition has generated better partnerships and better services. As for Darlington, we must ask the hon. Gentleman to stop whingeing and to get back there to help it put a decent case together, so that it can win next time.
§ Dr. TwinnIs my hon. Friend surprised to hear the whingeing about Birmingham and Darlington today? Is he aware that the help that the Government have given towards job creation in north London, the Lea valley, Tottenham, Enfield and Edmonton is greatly appreciated and is already creating new jobs?
§ Sir Paul BeresfordYes, I am aware of that. It is also important to stress that urban regeneration means just that. Job creation represents just one part of that regeneration, the rest relates to housing, education and infrastructure. That is the point of offering a urban regeneration package.