HC Deb 14 June 1973 vol 857 cc342-3W
18. Mr. Parkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will appoint a committee of inquiry to review the action taken under the urban aid programme over the past five years, and to recommend ways in which that programme might be made more effective.

Mr. R. Carr

I do not think it is necessary to appoint a committee for this purpose but I am keeping the results of the urban aid programme under regular review and am in consultation with those of my right hon. Friends who are also closely involved with the problems of urban life.

19. Mr. Churchill

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what considerations his Department takes into account in allocating help under the urban aid programme.

Mr. R. Carr

The urban programme aims to give special help to local urban areas with acute social need. Local authorities submit schemes which, though modest in cost, have an immediate impact but which they cannot cater for under their normal programmes. The Home Office, in consultation with the other Government Departments, makes the final selection in the light of local authorities' own priorities and the desirability of approving a reasonable proportion of schemes sponsored by voluntary bodies.

20. Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the progress that has been achieved in helping deprived areas through the urban aid programme.

Mr. R. Carr

Over 2,700 projects have so far been approved in 206 different local authorities in England and Wales. I welcome the wide local support for this form of special aid for areas with acute social needs.