article_snippet: There is not enough data to enable a strategic approach to the problem, and I have long been pressing for funding to be given so that progress can be made.'
article_snippet: Labour have claimed the seagull fund and other small measures in the Budget are little more than 'pork barrel politics' aimed at winning over marginal seats have been dismissed by the coalition.
article_snippet: At least 16 marginal constituencies benefited from measures in the Budget, including £97 million for regeneration in Brent Cross, which straddles the ultra-marginal Hendon constituency where Conservative MP Matthew Offord has a majority of 106.
article_snippet: Lib Dem sources insisted the seagull study was aimed at tackling the problem nationwide and the Treasury said the Chancellor had set out economic plans for every region in the country.
article_snippet: A Liberal Democrat source said: 'It's just silly stuff from an Opposition trying to cause mischief. '
article_snippet: A the Treasury spokesman said: 'From investing £13 billion to improving transport across of the whole of the north of England to introducing 20 housing zones around the country to keep Britain building, from day one this Government has been committed to building a truly national recovery to close the long-term gaps between the north and south, London and the rest. '
article_snippet: The Chancellor has set out long-term economic plans for every region to make sure that Britain's prosperity is shared across the country and the Budget took this even further with ambitious investment in a wide range of areas like enterprise zones, flood defence and science to ensure that no industry and no region is left behind.'