HC Deb 01 April 1985 vol 76 c465W
Mr. Hickmet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by what criteria Humberside qualified for European regional development fund non-quota sums in December 1984; how much was allocated to Humberside from that source by his Department under the business improvement services scheme; and, of this, how much has been allocated to date specifying the areas in Humberside which have received funds giving the total amount each area received.

Mr. Trippier

The eligible areas and allocations, including assisted areas in Humberside, for the second round of ERDF non-quota measures to aid areas affected by the decline of the steel industry were based on criteria agreed by the European Commission and the United Kingdom Government—job losses and local dependency rates for the steel industry and local unemployment rates. Humberside was allocated £2.2 million under my Department's business improvement services scheme. To date 99 applications to the value of £950,217 have been received from small firms in Humberside. Detailed information for areas in Humberside is not available.

Mr. Hickmet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether any further tranches of European regional development fund non-quota funds are to be made available to Humberside; what sums will be allocated to Glanford and Scunthorpe from that source by his Department; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Trippier

I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.