§ 23. Mr. Hugh Brownasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals are being considered to increase the urban aid programme for areas of deprivation.
§ Mr. AncramThere may be limited scope for approving new projects to spend in 1984–85, but this will depend on how much of the capital expenditure originally programmed for 1983–84 proves to have slipped forward into the present financial year.
§ 27. Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the cut in urban aid for 1984–85.
§ Mr. YoungerThe level of resources for the urban programme in 1984–85 was decided in the light of previous underspending on the programme against available provision and the need to make best use of available resources. (In 1982–83, for example, capital outturn was £5.8 million, against provision of £12 million.) Substantial subsequent slippage of project expenditure from 1984–85 into the current financial year is now expected. As this will largely pre-empt resources for 1984–85 no further project approvals are being given in the meantime.