§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many preparatory studies prior to integrated operations have been, or are presently being, conducted in England; and if he will list them providing an indication of their state of progress, their fields of study and whether any conclusions have yet been reached.
§ Mr. TrippierPreparatory studies, jointly financed by local authorities and the Commission, are being undertaken in respect of three areas in England, to consider the feasibility of integrated operations. The areas are the Isles of Scilly, Humberside and Merseyside.
§ Mr. Ron Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will outline the policy of Her Majesty's Government regarding integrated development operations in England.
§ Mr. TrippierI assume that the hon. Member is referring to integrated operations as provided for in article 34 of the new European regional development fund regulation which comes into operation on 1 January next. The Government are prepared to consider any proposals for such operations which show improved effectiveness in the application of Community and national funds and which do not increase public expenditure.