§ Mr. Waddingtonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what, using the EEC method of calculation, is the percentage level of Government assistance now available in the intermediate areas; and what, on the same basis, is the maximum percentage level of assistance available in central zones of the Community.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantAs to the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. hon. and learned Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Oldham, West (Mr. Meacher) on 5th July. The Commission378W communication of 27th June 1973 (COM (73) 1110) states that 26.7 per cent. is the maximum theoretical percentage level of measurable aid granted in the central regions of the Community.—Vol. 859, c. 182–3.]
§ Mr. Waddingtonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in spite of its classification as a central zone, North-East Lancashire will be eligible for assistance from the Regional Development Fund.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantThe areas to receive assistance from the Regional Development Fund have not yet been determined. Designation of a region as a central area does not exclude it from consideration.
§ Mr. Waddingtonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if help from the Regional Development Fund will be available only in areas of high unemployment or if it may also be available in areas suffering from a declining population and the various problems attendant upon rapid industrial change.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantIt has not yet been decided which areas will benefit from the Regional Development Fund. But the Commission report on regional problems published in May refers to both outward migration and industrial change, as well as to unemployment.