§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the urban programme will continue as a specific grant in 1996–97; and when he will make an announcement about its future. [7761]
§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonThe urban programme will continue as a specific grant in 1996–97 although, as normal, grant payments will largely be devoted to reimbursing, in arrears, expenditure already incurred on approved projects. Views on the future of the urban programme as a specific grant were invited in the consultation paper "Devolution of Power to Councils" which was published on 29 December. The consultation period will end on 15 March and my right hon. Friend will announce his decision once he has given careful consideration to the responses received.