asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what plans he has for improving the infrastructure of the Nottingham-Derby Coalfield Intermediate Area.

Our intention for the Nottingham-Derby Coalfield Intermediate Area, as for other areas, is to increase its attractions for residence, employment and investment. A number of programmes will contribute to this aim. For example, over £12 million worth of trunk and principal road improvement schemes are programmed or in preparation. There are also continuing programmes initiated by local authorities, many of which attract some measure of grant in aid from the Government.