§ 79. Dr. TwinnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement on the achievements of the action for cities programme.
§ Mr. David HuntExcellent progress continues to be made in the regeneration of our inner cities under the Government's action for cities programme, expenditure on which is planned to increase from £3 billion in 1988—89 to about £3.5 billion this year. Unemployment in the 57 inner city target areas has fallen by nearly a quarter over the last year. Massive investment is taking place in reclaiming derelict land and in new factories, housing, shopping centres, roads and other infrastructure. Recorded crime fell significantly in the Metropolitan police force areas over the last year. The Government are working in partnership with business, local government, the voluntary sector and local people to build on the progress already made and to ensure that the pace of inner city regeneration is maintained. On 6 December I announced the formation of a new ministerial team to spearhead and co-ordinate action in the inner city areas. Each city action team and inner city task force will have a Minister to advise and assist it in its vital regeneration work.