HC Deb 11 March 1977 vol 927 cc707-8W
Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what representations he has received from the city of Hull concerning his proposals to help inner cities with urban decay; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeson

Following the publication in January of the summaries of the three inner area studies, the City Council has sent my right hon. Friend its views on the content and on the inner city problems that Hull faces. These views will be taken into account in the review of inner city policies now going forward and on which my right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement next month.

Mr. McNamara

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) on what criteria he intends to base his proposals to help inner cities with urban decay;

(2) whether he will confirm that any schemes to help inner cities with urban

Authority Average unmeasured water rate Average sewerage rate (connected properties) Average environmental services rate Average metered water charge per '000 gallons Average unmeasured water bill £ 1977–78 Average domestic water bill £
p p p p £p £p
North West … 10.8 9.5 0.2 57.6 17.45 17.00
Northumbrian … 13.1 9.8 0.2 57.6 20.20 19.20
Severn-Trent … 10.1 11.2 0.3 60.5 18.30 17.30
Yorkshire … 13.8 11.7 0.3 59.9 18.85 17.50
Anglian … 10.3 13.9 0.2 62.3 21.80 20.80
Thames … 5.4 5.4 0.1 50.0 22.20 15.10
Southern … 8.6 11.7 0.4 54.0 19.35 17.20
Wessex … 12.3 13.3 0.3 69.0 22.35 22.10
South West … 16.1 14.8 0.5 77.6 28.75 26.70
Welsh NWDA … 22.3 16.9 0.4 65.9 26.80 26.80

I have no information about average bills for measured supplies in 1977–78.

decay will apply to cities which as a result of local government reorganisation are now district councils and will not be restricted to metropolitan cities or inner London;

(3) whether aid given under any proposals for help to inner cities with urban decay will be limited merely to development areas and parts of the London conurbation;

(4) when he intends to publish his proposals for help to inner city areas with urban decay; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeson

I must ask my hon. Friend to await the Government's statement on inner city policy which is likely to be made next month.