HC Deb 13 December 1976 vol 922 cc957-8
16. Mr. Silvester

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what proportion of applications for assistance from the EEC Regional Fund submitted by Her Majesty's Government are for projects situated in the North-West.

Mr. Cryer

European Regional Development Fund contributions approved by the Commission in respect of projects located in the North-West Region amount to £7.2 million and account for about 11 per cent. of the £66.2 million approved for United Kingdom projects to date. A further allocation to United Kingdom projects is expected to be announced shortly. The proportion related to projects located in the North-West is unlikely to change significantly.

Mr. Silvester

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that 11 per cent. compares very unfavourably with 24 per cent. for Scotland and 19 per cent. for Wales? There is considerable concern in the North-West that we are not getting a reasonable share of the European Regional Development Fund, and I am sorry to hear that it is not to be changed. As the Question relates to applications forwarded by the Department, is the Minister satisfied that his right hon. Friend is taking sufficient account of a fair regional balance in the measures that he submits to the EEC?

Mr. Cryer

One of the difficulties is that the Fund is covered by EEC regulations, and these specify that priority must be given to projects in national priority areas. Much of the North-West Region is an intermediate area. Therefore, the highest priority of the Fund must be given to special development and development areas. Consequently, we are bound to abide by the terms of the Fund and the regulations governing them, and I know that many hon. Gentlemen opposite and indeed some of my hon. Friends would be loth to breach any EEC rules.