If he will make a statement on the operation of pathfinders.

The housing market renewal pathfinders are investing £1.2 billion to create sustainable communities in parts of the north and midlands. My hon. Friend's Constituency is already benefiting from £30 million for the north Staffordshire pathfinder up to March next year. Work is under way in the Coalville and Meir estates. Like the other pathfinders, north Staffordshire "Renew" is helping to deliver stronger neighbourhoods and a better mix of housing which people will want to rent or buy.

May I seek further reassurance for my constituents that local residents will be at the heart of the plan and their views will be more than taken into consideration all the way through the process?

I can certainly give my hon. Friend that assurance. Indeed, the survey done on the original programmes showed that 80 per cent. of the people participating in the programme very much agreed with it.

How will the £1.2 billion being spent in the north and midlands be taken into account in terms of Government grant to the rest of the country?

The £1.2 billion programme is from Government financing, but all the pathfinder programmes are a combination of public and private financing. The programmes cover some 34,000 homes, 21,000 of which will be refurbished and 10,000 demolished. That is nowhere near the stupid figure quoted in the press, of 400,000 being demolished.

I welcome the fact-finding mission that officials from his office are making to Burslem as we speak. Will my right hon. Friend arrange a follow-up meeting with north Staffordshire MPs, so that we can ensure that all aspects of Government policy are joined up to action on the ground in the north Staffordshire pathfinder housing "Renew"?

I certainly can give my hon. Friend that assurance and I look forward to that meeting. I also welcome the fact that her area has a newly elected Labour mayor.