§ Mr. BryantTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the levels and effects of social exclusion in the south Wales valleys. [15998]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe Government are committed to building a fairer and more inclusive society in which everyone can benefit from rising prosperity. We are working in partnership with the National Assembly to combat social exclusion throughout Wales.
Notable among Assembly initiatives is the Communities First Programme which makes a significant contribution to promoting social inclusion and regeneration in deprived areas.
In his pre-Budget report yesterday my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced several measures aimed at increasing fairness for people and their communities. These included tackling child poverty, providing security in old age, rewarding saving and creating a fair and efficient tax system.