HC Deb 31 January 1979 vol 961 cc495-6W
Mr. Neubert

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment how many local authorities are using their powers under the Inner Urban Areas Act to encourage new employment in their areas.

Mr. Shore

This information is not yet available. The authorities for the 43 districts designated under the Act will be asked to let my Department know the level of expenditure and income under the Act at the end of this financial year and for subsequent years. Designated district authorities can also declare improvement areas under the Act within which they are encouraged to focus on measures to stabilize and increase employment. So far authorities in nine areas have formally notified me of declarations of improvement areas and a further 13 have discussed their proposals for declaration with officials of my Department.

Mr. David Young

asked the secretary of State for the Environment what resources what resources will be provided for industrial and commercial projects in urban areas designated under the Inner Urban Areas Act.

Mr. Shore

For 1979–80, the first full year of the operation of the Act, I have allocated £5 million for these purposes. The partnership and programme authorities already have resources under the expanded urban programme from which they will be supporting industrial and commercial projects in their inner areas.

The designated district authorities are being informed of detailed arrangements.