§ 23. Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary of the National Assembly and with officials of the EU Commission on the introduction of the new regional development maps for Wales. [126716]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyThe Assisted Areas map is a matter for the UK Government, but I have, of course, discussed the designation of Welsh areas with the First Secretary and the UK Government maintain close contact with both the European Commission and the National Assembly for Wales on this issue.
The Government are still in discussion with the European Commission and are pressing for early approval of the Assisted Areas map. Within the framework set by the European Commission, all concerned have tried to include, so far as possible, revised proposals reflecting local and national priorities. The Government will make an announcement when the map is approved.