asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what is the total amount of grant allocated for urban renewal in the inner urban areas since April 1977.

The expenditure approved for new projects in England under the urban programme was £4·25 million in 1977–78; and £27 million in 1978–79. During this period there will also have been expenditure of about £40 million on projects continuing from earlier years; an allocation of £83 million for an inner city construction package; and of course continuing expenditure on main programmes.Urban programme grant is paid on 75 per cent. of the expenditure incurred by local authorities.