§ 13. Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on increasing job prospects in areas of high unemployment. [91610]
§ Dr. ReidI have been involved recently in a number of discussions with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer and other colleagues about the review of the Assisted Areas Map and the Objective 2 Map.
In redrawing the AA Map, the Government have been concerned to strike the right balance between areas of greatest need and areas offering the greatest potential for development. Given that coverage for the United Kingdom on both Maps had to be reduced, this has involved some difficult decisions. However I am satisfied that the outcome is a fair result for Scotland.