§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Prime Minister if she will estimate the amount of additional public money spent in Merseyside since the appointment of a Minister with special responsibility for the area.
§ The Prime MinisterThe information requested by my hon. Friend is not readily available. Merseyside has benefited from increases in certain capital expenditure programmes such as housing and has shared for example in the national increases in urban programme expenditure. An important objective is not simply to increase certain expenditure programmes but also to make better use of existing resources. Particular emphasis has therefore been given to involving the private sector in regenerating hard pressed areas such as Merseyside.