§ 12. Mr. CashTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress he has made in gaining financial assistance from the European Union for areas of severe economic deprivation in Wales. [41424]
§ Mr. HainThe UK Government in conjunction with all other Member States are currently negotiating draft Structural Funds Regulations for the period 2000–2006 with the European Commission. The Welsh Office is fully involved with these negotiations. An integral part of these Regulations are the criteria which will determine future eligibility.
18. Mr. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with other Government departments on the review of European structural funds in Wales. [41431]
§ Mr. HainWe are in regular discussions with a number of Government Departments, on all aspects of Structural Funds policy.