§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the criteria to be used in the review of assisted area status; how the review will be conducted; who will be consulted; and if he will make a statement. [55288]
§ Mrs. RocheOn 30 July I launched a 3 month period of public consultation on the criteria and the geographical units which should be used in drawing up the new Assisted Areas map. In making a decision on both the geographical units and the criteria to be used, we shall be looking particularly at ways in which we can best target areas where regional industrial assistance is both needed and is an effective policy response. The consultation period finishes on 30 October and we shall listen carefully to views expressed. No decisions have yet been taken on the criteria to be used.
4,800 copies of the public consultation document were produced. The document has been given a wide circulation to local authorities, business support organisations, Regional Development Agencies, rural development bodies, employers' and employees' organisations, academics, research bodies, members of the public and other interested parties. The document is also available on internet and, to date, 145 people have accessed the site.
The review will be conducted in accordance with the Commission guidelines.