Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list the measures which have been taken on urban deprivation since May 1979.
§ Mr. Giles ShawMy right hon. Friend has made clear this Government's view that the inner cities are vitally important to the health of the country. We maintained the partnership and programme arrangements and the level of resources for the urban programme in England in 1980–81. We have cut the bureaucracy involved in the programmes. Urban development corporations are being set up to deal with the special problems of the docklands in London and Merseyside. Other measures include experimental enterprise zones, to stimulate economic activity, land registers to promote the constructive use of land in public ownership, and further initiatives to involve the private sector more effectively. My right hon. Friend hopes to make a statement soon on the way ahead for inner city policy.