§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on objective 2 status for Deeside. [89670]
§ Mr. Hain[holding answer 2 July 1999]New objective 2 areas will not be known for some time. The Government must first submit proposals to the European Commission for their approval. The Government have recently consulted widely on what our priorities should be. The National Assembly for Wales is fully involved in discussions.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on assisted area status and its effects on Deeside. [89671]
§ Mr. Michael[holding answer 2 July 1999]We have today announced our proposals for new assisted areas to operate from 1 January 2000. The proposals have been submitted to the European Commission, which must now agree the final areas. I am confident that our proposal represents a good deal for Wales, with 71.5 per cent. population coverage, and a good deal for Deeside, as can be seen from the proposals which I have today copied to all Welsh MPs and MEPs.