HC Deb 31 March 1977 vol 929 cc221-2W
Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will propose that the European Social Fund be merged with the European Regional Development Fund to achieve more rational deployment of resources.

Mr. Cryer

Although the two Funds are complementary in some respects their objectives and geographical coverage are different. The amount of co-ordination which is possible is, therefore, limited, and it may not be appropriate to merge these two Funds.

Mr. Hooley

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what proposals are being made by the United Kingdom for substantial expansion of the resources of the European Regional Development Fund.

Mr. Cryer

Under the Fund Regulation it is the responsibility of the Commission to make proposals for the future of the Fund. These are now being prepared. The Government expect, and will press for, a significant increase in the scale of the Fund.

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