§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what recent approaches have been made to the European Economic Community Commission in regard to the proposed European Commission's integrated operations in relation to regional policy; when it is likely that a decision will be taken on the areas to be recognised in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe United Kingdom Government submitted on 22 January an application in respect of an integrated operation for Birmingham. There have been a number of recent contacts with the European Commission about other possible applications for integrated operations, for example in relation to certain areas identified in the Commission's communication of last July about action to help industry areas. I hope that the Government will reach a decision on further possible applications within a few weeks. The Commission has indicated that it would expect to arrive at a decision on a particular proposal about six months after the date of the application.