§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to discuss with interested bodies the future of objective 1 funding for the Highlands and Islands; and if he will make a statement.[3795]
§ Mr. ChisholmThe Government have not put forward detailed submissions at this early stage of the reform of the structural funds. We expect to put forward proposals after the results of the inter-governmental conference are known. In the meantime Scottish Office officials are in discussion with those from the local authorities and Highlands and Islands Enterprise about the future options.