§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the EEC Regional Fund now being established, he will make a statement on internal and trans-border schemes, respectively, for which Community aid has been, or is to be, offered or sought; and what is the Government's policy on the matter.
§ Mr. OrmeThe Government are considering how to use our receipts from the fund, and intend to submit applications which will enable the United Kingdom to receive its full quota. Officials are working on preliminary lists of projects and I expect that a significant number of the United Kingdom applications will relate to Northern Ireland. Applications are to be made by the member State and must fall within the framework of a regional development programme or similar analysis provided by the member State. The fund regulation does not require applications to be linked with EEC studies, although such studies may be part financed from the fund at the request of the member State. On cross-border studies under EEC auspices, I have nothing to add to the answer given on 18th March in reply to a Question by the hon. Member.—[Vol. 888, c. 403.]