asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what, for the current financial year, is the total amount of financial assistance specifically allocated for improving the infrastructure of the development and intermediate areas of the United Kingdom, giving details of the principal uses for which this sum is provided; and what are the projected total figures for the years 1972–73, 1973–74 and 1974–75.

I assume that my hon. Friend is referring to the special programme of works in development and intermediate areas. Under the infrastructure works programme provision has been made for additional expenditure over a wide field including hospitals, local health and social services, roads,