§ Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Trade in what circumstances assistance is available from the Regional Development Fund of the EEC for projects concerned with tourism.
§ Mr. DeakinsTo qualify for consideration projects must first be receiving assistance from a national Tourist Board under Section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969 or from the Northern Ireland Department of Commerce under appropriate legislation. Each project must also involve investment of at least 50,000 units of account—about £21,000—and create at least 10 new jobs, or maintain existing jobs which would have been lost but for the investment. Infrastructure projects in assisted areas directly linked with the development of tourism may also qualify. Full details of the rules concerning eligible investment for assistance under the ERDF are contained in Council Regulation No. 724/75 of 18th March 1975 which established the fund. Copies are available in the Library of the House.