§ Mr. Hooleyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what effect, in money terms and in the number and type of projects, cuts in public expenditure will have on the inner cities programme in 1979–80 and 1980–81.
§ Mr. KingUrban programme resources for 1979–80 were cut by £7.6 million to some £180 million. The reductions affected only the seven partnership authorities and in general reflected a degree of possible underspend, together with the need to rephase some projects. For 1980–81, partnership and programme authorities have been told that their allocations will be roughly the same in real terms as the revised allocations for 1979–80. This represents a level programme, not a cut. The types of projects to be approved are matters for discussion between all the authorities concerned, including central Government, in the light of my right hon. Friend's policy statement on 14 September.