§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if the criteria used for establishing areas eligible for regional assistance in the United Kingdom are identical with those used in other EU countries; and if he will make a statement. [20009]
§ Mr. OppenheimThe criteria for eligibility for grants under the regional objectives of the EC structural fund are, in general terms, identical. They are contained in Council regulation (EEC) 2052/99 as amended by 2081/93 (OJ L193 of 31 July 1993). The criteria for designating areas eligible for support under the regional 521W selective assistance scheme are based on travel-to-work areas and are not therefore identical to those used in other EU countries.