HC Deb 29 April 1985 vol 78 cc55-6W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what was the value of European Economic Community grants to areas designated as assisted areas in Great Britain in 1984–85; and what was the value per head of the working population.

Mr. Trippier

European regional development fund grants allocated in 1984–85 to aided areas in Great Britain totalled over £425 million. The value per head of the working population in those areas was approximately £47.

Grants from the European social fund and the European agricultual guidance and guarantee fund are the responsibilities of my right hon. friend the Secretary of State for Employment and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food respectively.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether it was the British Government or the Europan Economic Community which first suggested the figure of 35 per cent. for the maximum percentage of the British population to live in assisted areas.

Mr. Trippier

The percentage of the working population covered by assisted areas was only one aspect of various matters considered with the European Commission during the review of regional policy.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will request the European Economic Community to agree that designated assisted areas should cover more than 35 per cent. of the working population of the United Kingdom

Mr. Trippier

The recent review of the Great Britain assisted areas took account of areas' relative needs for current and future employment opportunities. We have no plans for a further review of those areas.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many hours were spent in negotiation with the European Economic Community about the maximum proportion of the British working population to live in areas designated as assisted areas.

Mr. Trippier

There was no fixed target for the proportion of the working population included within the assisted areas. It would not be practicable to separate this aspect from the various matters considered with the European Commission, many of which would themselves have a bearing on the assisted areas coverage as finally decided.