HC Deb 26 July 2000 vol 354 c687W
20. Mr. Alan W. Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on match funding for Objective 1 structural funds for west Wales and the valleys. [130896]

Mr. Paul Murphy

The excellent spending review settlement for Wales announced last week included an additional £421 million to cover in full the increase in EU Structural Funds receipts in Wales, outside of the Barnett formula. This settlement unlocks funding within the Block to meet the match funding requirement.

I have talked with the First Secretary and the Assembly Finance Secretary who agree that as a result of this settlement, no worthwhile Objective 1 project will be held back by lack of resources.