Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1), pursuant to the answer of 1 June 1998,Official Report, column4, what discussions the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions has had with(a) Ministers and(b) officials in other departments 508W relating to the review of EU structural funds in respect of Wales; and what was the nature and scope of such discussions; [44393]
(2), pursuant to her answer of 21 May 1998,Official Report, columns 543–44, what has been the nature and content of her discussions with Welsh Office(a) officials and(b) Ministers on the subject of (i) Objective One funding for Wales and (ii) other aspects of Agenda 2000. [44394]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answers 5 June 1998]: Since the Department co-ordinates UK policy on the Structural Funds, both I and other DTI Ministers have frequently discussed the Structural Funds aspects of Agenda 2000 with colleagues, including those in the Welsh Office. Officials from the relevant departments are also in regular touch.
§ Mrs. Betty WilliamsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when she expects the review of European Structural Funds to be completed. [43253]
§ Mrs. RocheAs part of the Agenda 2000 package, the Commission published their proposed draft regulations for the Structural and Cohesion Fund policies for the years 2000 to 2006 on 18 March 1998.
The proposals will have to be agreed by the Council of Ministers and, where appropriate, approved by the European Parliament. We do not expect the regulations for the Structural and Cohesion Funds to be adopted until early 1999.