§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will list for the city of Sheffield the number of projects which were not given approval for 1991–92 under the urban programme, indicating the nature of the projects rejected and giving a percentage figure, and a cash value figure, which related to the ethnic minority community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloThe Sheffield urban programme for 1991–92 includes 105 new projects, of which 83 were approved on 1 March. The 22 projects which could not be approved have a total value of £1,035,000 and include five projects relating to the ethnic minority community costing £530,000.
My Department met Sheffield city council on 20 March and the council is now working up information on most of the 22 rejected projects in order to resubmit them. Any attempt to assess the number of projects finally rejected would therefore be premature.