§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how much objective 1 money for Merseyside the Government are holding in(a) the Consolidated Fund, and (b) in other accounts; to what extent such money is yet allocated for projects, and if he will make a statement. [23162]
424WI am pleased to report that data for September 1994 show that the number of tenants whose applications are being unduly delayed continues to decline. Across London as a whole delays beyond statutory deadlines have fallen by over 40 per cent., from 403 to 238. This compares with over 15,000 delayed cases in March 1989 when the Government's "tenants sanctions" procedures came into effect.
Only Hackney was monitored on a monthly basis in 1994. I am glad to say that Hackney's performance has continued to improve and I have recommended that monthly monitoring can now cease. To September 1994, over 185,000 dwellings have been sold under the right to buy schemes in London.
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe Merseyside objective 1 programme was approved in July 1994 and since then the European Commission has transferred £55.283 million to Government. These resources are held not in the Consolidated Fund but in accounts operated by Departments until they are claimed by, and paid to, project sponsors.
425WTo date, £23.704 million has been authorised for payment to project sponsors. The balance continues to be used in funding the £65.498 million of schemes already approved in the first round of project submissions. The speed at which the funds will be paid to project sponsors is overwhelmingly dependent on the speed at which they deliver their schemes.