§ Mr. LeightonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will describe the remit, record of activity, and objectives of the London City Action Team.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe city action teams, set up in April 1985, bring together my Department, the Department of Employment and the Department of the Environment. These are the Departments most responsible for boosting business confidence and development, improving training442W and the built environment, and encouraging small businesses. The teams co-ordinate Government programmes, which, for example in the Inner London partnership authorities of Hackney, Islington and Lambeth are estimated to amount to over £300 million of expenditure this year. They target those programmes more effectively on the needs of the inner city. They also aim to encourage private sector action for cities and investment in them.
Particular objectives of the London team are to encourage enterprise, promote tourism and address employment difficulties covered by the mismatch between demand and the availability of jobs and skills. Since April 1987, the team has had an extra £1 million to help meet these aims, especially through joint projects with the private sector, for example through two local purchasing initiatives in south, north and east London in association with the south London business initiative and Business in the Community. The team's contribution of £82,000 is matched by £85,000 from the private sector; by contributing around £89,000 for a mobile training and technology unit for small clothing firms in the east end and elsewhere in association with private support of at least £75,000; by supporting a multi-purpose training centre in Lewisham designed to help reduce the mismatch of skills and job opportunities in London. The team is contributing £55,000 alongside private sector support from TEAM Greyfriars Ltd of £87,000.
I am satisfied that the team is working well, meeting its objectives and making London a better place in which to live and work.