Highfields Task Force (Leicester)

HC Deb 22 July 1986 vol 102 c175W

27. Mr. Spencer

asked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the progress of the work of the Highfields task force in Leicester.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Our Highfields task force was established towards the end of March. It has now completed its initial work in establishing contact with the residents and appraising the problems of the locality. It has held discussions with a wide variety of local community and voluntary organisations, with the local authorities and with the private sector. Plans are now being drawn up aimed at tackling the urgent problems of the area.

We would be able to make faster progress in Highfields if the city council and local activists felt able to take a constructive and co-operative approach to our work.