HC Deb 11 February 1985 vol 73 cc28-9W
Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what was the total allocation of funds within the 1983 European Economic Community budget to the social fund to help with projects for young people; how much of this money has been spent on helping to give young people within the United Kingdom employment; what discussions he has had with the European Economic Community Commission about this matter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The European Economic Community budget for 1983 had an allocation of about £531 million available to the social fund to assist with projects for young people. The United Kingdom's share of this amount was £240.7 million (45.2 per cent.) and this money is being claimed when payments fall due. These allocations were discussed with officials of the European Commission at the time through normal procedures. They provide a very welcome contribution to employment and training measures for young people.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what has been the total allocation of funds within the 1983 European Economic Community budget to the social fund to assist the textile industry; how much of this money has been spent on helping the textile industry within the United Kingdom; what discussions he has had with the European Economic Community Commission about this matter; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

The European Economic Community budget for 1983 had an allocation of about £16.5 million available to the social fund to assist workers in the textiles and clothing industries. Of this amount the United Kingdom's share was £3.7 million (22.4 per cent.) and this money is being claimed when payments fall due.

These allocations were discussed with officials of the European Commission at the time through normal procedures. They provide a very welcome contribution to employment and training measures in the textiles and clothing industries.