To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how much money has been provided to local authorities in order to develop the renewal areas scheme for older housing in Wales (a) so far this financial year and (b) prior to April 1990; and for what purposes this money was provided.

Renewal areas were introduced under the provisions of part VII of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 with effect from 1 April 1990. Credit approvals of £1 million are being held by the Department to meet local authorities' proposals for renewal areas in the current financial year.