European Community (Regional Policy)

HC Deb 25 November 1981 vol 13 cc386-7W

Mr. Peter Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he accepts the statistical basis of the first periodic report on the social and economic situation of the regions of the Community (COM)(80) (816 Final).

Mr. MacGregor

The periodic report, including its statistical basis, is the responsibility of the Commission after consultation with the Community's Regional Policy Committee, whose membership is drawn from the member States.

There are inevitable difficulties in producing comparable relevant statistics for the great variety of regions comprised in the Community. The Government are satisfied that, within these constraints, the best generally available statistics have been used. We shall continue to work with other member States towards the improvement of the statistical basis for future periodic reports.