§ Lord O'HAGANasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are in favour of a greater share of the Regional Development Fund coming to the United Kingdom; and to make a Statement about current discussions within the Council of Ministers.
§ Lord LEONARDThe United Kingdom's share of the European Regional Development Fund is currently 27.03 per cent. and is the second largest share of all EEC member States. Discussions are continuing between the Council and European Assembly on the size of the Fund in 1979 but it seems likely that it will be substantially larger than in 1978 and earlier years; in consequence, the United Kingdom will receive a larger sum from the Fund from 1979 onwards than in the past.