§ Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why he is reducing the appropriations to Northern Ireland by the amount obtained from the EEC regional development fund; and if he will reconsider this policy.
§ Mr. Concannon, pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 14 March; Vol. 964, c. 229], gave the following information:
Regional fund receipts for industrial projects are retained by the Exchequer partially to offset national financial assistance which has already been provided in sufficient quantity to ensure that the schemes are implemented. Receipts in respect of infrastructure are passed on to authorities responsible for regional development projects to reduce capital debt. These arrangements are consistent with those in the United Kingdom.