HC Deb 06 November 1980 vol 991 cc665-6W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will explain the delay in Her Majesty's Government submitting a formal proposal to the EEC Commission for an integrated plan for the development of Belfast; and if he will undertake that the funds intended for Belfast will not be deducted from Northern Ireland's regional fund allocation to the detriment of the rest of Northern Ireland and will be wholly additional to expenditure already planned by her Majesty's Government.

Mr. Giles Shaw

[pursuant to his reply, 30 October 1980, c. 366]: Integrated operations is an experimental concept conceived by the Commission as a means of more effectively co-ordinating existing Community expenditure to meet regional problems. No new moneys have been allocated for integrated policies.

My officials have been in regular contact with the Commission and a number of draft documents have been exchanged. As part of this continuing process, a memorandum will be sent to the Corn-mission after necessary local consultation has been completed.

In the meantime, we have of course exploited every opportunity to ensure that available Community resources make the maximum contribution to alleviating Northern Ireland problems.

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