§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the National840W Assembly for Wales with regard to the provision of additional funds from the Treasury for the financial year 2000–01 and subsequent years, to enable Wales to take up European Union strategic funds fully in each year from April 2000, without having to reduce spending on other services to provide the necessary Welsh funding; and if he will make a statement. [95769]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithMy predecessor discussed these matters with the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales. I have also held discussions with the Secretary of State for Wales.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will ensure that the full sums of money provided by the EU for Objective 1 strategic projects in Wales will be passed to Wales outside the Welsh block and not be subject to the application of the Barnett formula; and if he will make a statement. [95770]
§ Mr. Andrew SmithUK Government Departments, the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales are required to find full public expenditure cover for EU Structural Funds expenditure.
I will consider on their merits representations from the National Assembly about the public spending implications arising from Objective 1 status as part of next year's spending review.