Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Industry what efforts his Department has made to get assistance from the European Economic Community regional development fund for areas of the United Kingdom where there are acute unemployment problems.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe Department of Industry is responsible only for applications relating to industrial projects in England. During the first six years of the fund's operation—1975 to 1980—the European Commission committed funds totalling £124 million for applications in respect of industrial projects in England, all of which—in accordance with the fund regulations—are located in assisted areas. Ninety two per cent. of this commitment is in respect of projects in development and special development areas.