§ 4. Mr. KnoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total value of grants that Scotland has received from the European regional development fund since its inception.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Malcolm Rifkind)Scotland has received awards of just over £800 million since the regional fund's inception.
§ Mr. KnoxIs my right hon. and learned Friend satisfied that the Scottish people are aware of the size of assistance that the Scottish economy receives? If not, what is he doing further to publicise it?
§ Mr. RifkindOver the years, the Scottish Office, local authorities and others, have succeeded in winning for Scotland a substantial share of the regional fund. The money is used for a series of crucial projects affecting Scottish infrastructure. I believe that the benefits of the support are well understood.
§ Mr. SteelHow much more would have been spent in Scotland if European regional fund grants had been additional to and not in place of Scottish Office money?
§ Mr. RifkindThe right hon. Gentleman should appreciate that whatever funding is given to the United Kingdom, the contribution that the United Kingdom taxpayer makes to the Commission must be taken into account. These are not new resources invented from air; they are taxpayers' funds, whatever the source may be.
§ Mr. DalyellIs the Secretary of State aware that Bruce Millan disagrees fundamentally and basically? What response has the Scottish Office given to Bruce Millan on additionality?
§ Mr. RifkindI am not sure whether the hon. Gentleman is aware that when Mr. Bruce Millan was Secretary of State for Scotland, the rules on additionality were exactly the same as they are now. It is odd for him to change his mind because he has become a Commissioner in Brussels.