§ 42. Mr. Buchananasked the Secretary of State for Employment what restrictions are imposed on organisations in the United Kingdom making individual applications for aid from the EEC Social Fund; how much aid was received in 1973–74; and how and to whom the aid from the EEC Social Fund was distributed.
§ Mr. John FraserBefore a private organisation can make an individual application to the European Social Fund the regulations of the fund require it to obtain from a public authority both a financial contribution and a guarantee of the completion of the operation. Allocations totalling £50 million were made to the United Kingdom in respect of 1973–74. Payments so far received of about £22 million relate almost entirely to 1973 applications and were credited to departmental Estimates or to the Consolidated Fund.
§ 43. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will examine the manner in which British applications are made for assistance from the EEC social fund.
§ Mr. John FraserThe manner in which applications are made to the European Social Fund is under continual review by my Department in order to secure the best possible return to the United Kingdom from the fund.