§ 15. Mr. Blakerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he is satisfied with the functioning of the European Social Fund.
§ Mr. John FraserThe operations of the European Social Fund are to be reviewed by the Commission next year. I have no doubt that we shall then put forward proposals for improvements to be discussed in the relevant committees and working groups of the Community.
§ Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Employment if, in order to facilitate grants from the Social Fund of the EEC to British companies to avoid unemployment, he will consider backing these applications by making such financial support through the Trading Services Agency of his Department.
§ Mr. John FraserI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his Oral Question today.
§ 54. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Employment how many requests he has received from companies seeking the support of his Department in their application for grants from the European Social Fund; how many he has turned down; and for what reason.
§ Mr. John FraserSeven applications have been received from companies in Great Britain; one has gained an allocation from the Social Fund; the other six have so far been unable to obtain the necessary support from United Kingdom public funds. The Training Services Agency, which is the appropriate agency of the Manpower Services Commission, has no funds available to support the operations concerned.