§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what policies(a) initiated and (b) managed by his Department since 2001 have had an impact on Pendle; and if he will make a statement [124094]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe Foreign and Commonwealth Office is the United Kingdom Government Department responsible for foreign affairs. Its aim is to work for the United Kingdom's interests in a safe, just, and prosperous world. Achievement of these aims will benefit all areas of the United Kingdom, including Pendle.
More specifically, the FCO is responsible for relations with the EU. Under the 2000–06 European Structural Funding Programmes Pendle is currently receiving £2.6 million from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for its Objective 2, Priority 2 (People and Communities) Action Plan. This seeks to promote social 400W and economic integration and improved living and working conditions for people in low-income, discriminated and other excluded groups.
Pendle is also receiving £0.9 million from the European Social Fund for training and employment projects complementary to projects supported under Priority 2, via direct bids to Government Office.
The wards of Boulsworth, Coates, Craven, Earby, Foulridge and Pendleside are in the Lancashire Leader Plus area which as a whole is receiving £2.2 million from the European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund to provide a greater range of local services and employment opportunities within rural communities and to open up new market opportunities for rural goods.
Pendle is in the East Lancashire Objective 2, Priority 1 Action Plan area, which as a whole is allocated £20 millon ERDF to provide business support activity to improve competitiveness across the East Lancashire area.