§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the total funds spent in all EEC countries through the Regional Development Fund; and if he will make a statement about progress on review of the fund's operations and resources beyond 1978.
§ Mr. CryerThe latest available information on payments from the European Regional Development Fund to all member States is contained in the Commission's Second Annual Report on the Fund (R/1613/77). This shows that 368 million units of account (mua) was paid in 1975 and 1976 against total Commitments of 799.9 mua. Of this the United Kingdom received payments of 106.9 mua (£44.5 million) against Commitment940W of 228.1 mua (£95.0 million) to approved projects in the assisted areas and Northern Ireland. Since then further payments and approvals of commitment to the United Kingdom have increased total gross receipts from the Fund to £75 million and Commitment to £136.7 million.
With regard to the operation of the Fund, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement on the outcome of the European Council in Brussels made by the Prime Minister yesterday.