§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what consideration he has given to the application for a European regional development fund grant for the scheme to improve and extend the runway at Manchester international airport; what action he is taking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI refer to the answer given to the hon. Member today by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Trade. My Department is currently considering applicaions for submission to the European Commission later this year in respect of infrastructure projects in the English assisted areas. As in previous years there are many more eligible projects than can be submitted within the limited quota of grant commitment available. In accordance with the regulation, projects in special development and development areas are regarded as having a higher priority than those in intermediate areas.