A NORTH-EAST MP has welcomed evidence of £1bn's worth of regional aid for the region from the Government.
Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, tabled a parliamentary question to deputy prime minister John Prescott on the subject of Government regional aid.
The reply showed that regional funding for the North-East for a variety of social, community, training and infrastructure programmes between 1997 and this year totalled more than £1bn.
Dr Kumar said: "This total shows how committed the Government is to giving a boost to our region.
"People are better housed, better trained and with a better chance of a job thanks to a Labour Government.
"This spending and these schemes complement other spending through the Department of Health and the Department for Education and Skills, and delivered through local hospitals, schools, colleges and universities.
"This week saw new announcements on Neighbourhood Renewal and cash from the New Opportunities Fund for school sports activities.
"All in all, a pattern of boosting the region is now under way."
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