§ Mr. WatsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations she intends to make over delays in processing European social fund payments for voluntary sector projects.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythFollowing vigorous representations by the Department, the European Commission has now agreed to release all ESF moneys due to the United Kingdom in respect of first advances for projects operating in 1992 under objectives 3 and 4 of the fund—long-term unemployment and young people. Representations continue over the Commission's inexcusable and unexplained delay in releasing 1992 advances in respect of certain programmes under objectives 5 and 2b—areas of industrial and rural decline.
§ Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the proposed budget of the European social fund.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe European Commission has proposed that the total European social fund budget for 1993 should be some £4,185 million—at the current exchange rate.