§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Industry what representations he has received from the chief executive 698W of the Greater Manchester council and the secretary of the Greater Manchester association of metropolitan authorities with regard to the need for retention of assisted area status and access to European development fund moneys; what reply he has sent; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David Mitchell[pursuant to his reply, 14 January 1980]: A reply has been sent to the representations of the chief executive of the Greater Manchester council and the secretary of the Greater Manchester association of metropolitan authorities about the assisted area status of Greater Manchester and the European regional development fund. The reply explained why parts of Greater Manchester are to become non-assisted areas on 1 August 1982, and that in accordance with the Government's policies to direct assistance towards the areas of greatest need, Wigan had been made a development area. Intermediate areas due to become non-assisted areas on 1 August 1982 will continue to be eligible for aid from the European regional development fund until then.