HC Deb 05 March 1998 vol 307 cc1185-6
7. Mr. Andrew George

What progress she has made in her discussions with the European Commission towards the designation of objective 1 areas. [31133]

Mrs. Roche

The Commission expects to publish on 18 March its detailed draft regulations covering the operations of the fund for the period 2000–2006. Those draft regulations will then need to be negotiated in the Council of Ministers and approved by the European Parliament. In the meantime, Ministers have been in regular contact with the European Commission and other member states in order to secure a fair deal for the United Kingdom and its regions.

Mr. George

I thank the Minister for that reply. The Minister may not be aware that today is St. Piran's day, but he is the patron saint of Cornwall and of tin. The Minister is aware, as I am all too painfully aware, that tomorrow will be the last trading day for South Crofty tin mine—the last tin mine in Cornwall and in Europe. In view of the agony and suffering that Cornwall faces, does the Minister accept that the designation of objective 1 areas is as much a political exercise as a technical one? What message can the Minister give me to take back to help the Cornish community at this most difficult time?

Mrs. Roche

As the hon. Gentleman knows, because we have been in close contact on this, as has my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Ms Atherton), I am very sad about what has happened to South Crofty. He also knows that the mine did not meet the criteria for regional selective assistance and that we considered the proposal in great detail. However, the Government office for the south west and all local agencies will continue to work closely with local authorities to alleviate the impact of the closure and improve the area's economic position. I note what the hon. Gentleman says about Cornwall. Let me assure him that we are paying close attention to the needs of Cornwall, along with those of the other areas of the United Kingdom. On his proposal, the Government statistical service is still discussing the proposals with Eurostat. It is a technical matter but I will ensure that the House is kept fully informed of progress.

Mr. Brazier

What impact does the Minister think the move towards a single currency by several of our partners will have on Britain's competitiveness? In particular, while Britain has the EU presidency, what steps will we take to ensure that no country in Europe that has not really met the criteria tries to slip into the single currency?

Madam Speaker

Order. Has the hon. Gentleman read the question? I think that Miss McIntosh has a question on the matter.

Miss McIntosh

Does the Minister share the anxiety of people in North Yorkshire about the reduced numbers involved in the reforms to objectives 1, 2 and 3, and about the loss of the Konver programme? As many of them have benefited from it, can the Minister assure the House that the Government will make the strongest representations to retain it and other such Community instruments in some form in the reforms?

Mrs. Roche

I understand well the hon. Lady's points; they are well understood throughout the Government. We are making strenuous representations to the Commission and are active in ensuring that our views are known to member states.