§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for the Environment if, pursuant to his answer of 18 March, he will give details of the steps Her Majesty's Government are taking to urge the European Commission to make an early decision on the application for a grant for a new road at Webbers Yard, Dartington; and if he will estimate the likely timing of a decision.
§ Mr. TraceySince my answer of 18 March the European Commission has given the Department of Trade and Industry, which leads on European regional development fund matters, its view on the standing of schemes submitted for grant-aid under the transitional arrangements in relation to descheduled areas. The Commission considers that because these areas lost their assisted area status 15 months ago, it is not appropriate to reassess in the context of the 1986 bid any projects submitted under the transitional arrangements which were not considered to be of sufficient priority to merit ERDF aid in 1985.
The final decision on ERDF assistance rests with the European Commission. The Webbers Yard will not therefore receive ERDF grant-aid. Officials are writing to all applicants affected by the decision.