§ Mrs. Winifred Ewingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he has taken and what representations he has made to encourage the preparation and submissions of suitable applications for projects for aid from the Regional Fund.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieI have been asked to reply.
The Department of Industry is responsible for forwarding all United Kingdom applications to the European Regional Development Fund. Applications are prepared not only by the Department of Industry but also by a number of other Departments, including the Department of the Environment, the Scottish and Welsh 295W Offices and the Northern Ireland Department. As regards the applications prepared by the Department of Industry, the Department has consulted a number of public agencies as well as companies in the private sector whose investment projects appeared likely to qualify under the Fund Regulation.