§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how much of the expenditure by her Department in each of the years(a) 1996–97, (b) 1997–98, (c) 1998–99, (d) 1999–2000, (e) 2000–01, (f) 2001–02 and (g) 2002–03 (estimated) was allocated with reference to the Index of Multiple Deprivation; which expenditure programmes are allocated with respect to this Index and other measures of relative geographic deprivation; and if she will make a statement. [8936]
§ Mr. MorleyNo departmental funding has previously been allocated on this basis. The Index is used however, as an indicator to measure sustainable development.