§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many applications for grant aid under the European social fund are now due for payment to Northern Ireland companies; what is the total amount of grant aid under the European social fund for which Northern Ireland companies are eligible in respect of which application has been made for payment; and what is the normal delay between receipt of application after a qualifying period and payment of European Economic Community grant aid under the European social fund.
§ Dr. BoysonSeven hundred and nineteen claims are at present approved and due for payment. The total amount of grant sought in European social fund claims currently in hand — including claims not yet approved — is approximately £3.6 million. The date of payment is dependent upon the time of receipt of the funds from the Community.