§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what the basis is of the allocation of resources of the English Cities Fund between English regions and English cities; and if he expects to have allocations ready for the financial year 2001–02. [146393]
§ Ms ArmstrongThe idea of an English Cities Fund is being developed by English Partnerships and its private sector partners. The Fund would attract long-term private finance to invest in urban regeneration schemes. It follows-up the recommendation of Lord Rogers' Urban Task Force that national public/private investment funds for regeneration should be established. Details of the Fund are currently being considered within Government and