§ Mr. Litherlandasked the Prime Minister if the Government are still committed to their inner city policy in relation to Manchester; and what steps are being taken to encourage investment, employment and confidence in the city.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. We have put substantial resources into the urban programme partnership to help Manchester tackle its inner city problems, and an increasing proportion of those resources has gone into economic projects. In addition, Manchester city council has had many schemes approved for derelict land grant and, following our representations to the European Commission, Manchester is now eligible for EC assistance through the European regional development fund.