§ Mr. Hicksasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are the latest figures available for the financial benefits to the South-West assisted areas from EEC membership from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund, European Social Fund and European Investment Bank; and what percentage these financial amounts represent of the total benefit to the United Kingdom in each category.
§ Mr. Dell:Information on the financial benefits from the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund and the European Social Fund to the South-West assisted areas is not separately available. During 1973 and 1974 the United Kingdom received about £175 million from the EAGGF for market regulation and restructuring under the common agricultural policy. Receipts from the European Social Fund during the same period amounted to about £16 million. In addition, there are commitments to pay the United Kingdom about £12 million from the guidance section of EAGGF, and the 38W United Kingdom has also been allocated further sums from the European Social Fund.
The South-West assisted areas have not received any loans from the European Investment Bank, but the bank has to date made loans totalling £136 million to United Kingdom organisations.