HC Deb 27 October 1980 vol 991 cc131-2W
Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Minister of Transport what is his estimate of the annual reimbursement from Great Britain's contribution to the EEC budget which will be available for the modernisation of road and rail infrastructure during the financial year 1981–82; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Fowler:

Although agreement has been reached on the regulation which will provide for the Community's participation in United Kingdom public investment programmes, it is too soon to say what the allocation of grant will be between particular programmes and regions.

Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he will take to ensure that Norfolk gets its share of any funds made available for the road and rail infrastructure as a result of reimbursements by the Community of Great Britain's contribution to the EEC budget.

Mr. Fowler:

The regulation under article 235 of the Treaty of Rome which has recently been agreed provides for the Community's participation in public investment programmes in the assisted areas of the United Kingdom, and in other programmes of special Community interest.

If the Community were to decide to participate in the financing of transport investment outside the assisted areas, expenditure in Norfolk would be included as appropriate. The Government have already made it clear that they do not intend to put forward local authority programmes for Community participation, and that the availability of Community support will not result in an increase in public expenditure.