§ 19. Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the current level of Government support for the urban aid programme in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramResources for 1986–87 amount in total to £8.5 million (for capital expenditure) and £26 million (for current expenditure).
These resources help local authorities to tackle multiple deprivation in urban areas. Following our review of the urban programme in 1984, revised criteria and priorities were introduced in order to improve the targeting and effectiveness of the programme. I am satisfied that these revised arrangements are improving the programme's impact on urban deprivation, and have no plans for further changes at the moment.