HC Deb 07 April 1977 vol 929 cc652-3W
Mr. Robin F. Cook

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the Government's policy for the inner cities in Scotland.

Mr. Millan

The analysis of the problems of inner cities in the statement yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment applies also in Scotland and particularly to Glasgow. Last year I announced a joint initiative for the renewal of the eastern area of the city: this is proceeding, at a capital cost estimated last year at about £120 million. I have decided that, in addition, the resources devoted to the urban programme, presently running at about £6 million a year, will be built up to over £20 million per year by 1980–81.

While the scale of the inner city problem in Glasgow is, of course, much greater than elsewhere, the resources administered under the urban programme are for use in dealing with urban problems generally and they will be allocated in respense to agreed programmes for strengthening and co-ordinating local authority—and voluntary—services and for improving the environment. In addition, a special programme for construction projects in inner cities in Scotland of £10 million over the next two years was announced in my right hon. Friend's Budget speech, and I am examining the financial plans of the local authorities concerned to identify suitable projects.