Redundant Steel Workers (Hansard, 16 February 1988)

§ Mr. Cryer
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many outstanding claims are still being processed for training payments for redundant steel workers in the Sheffield area; if the delays in making such payments arise within his Department or within the EEC Commission; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Atkins
Nine redundant steel workers from the Sheffield area have not yet received training benefits under the iron and steel employees re-adaptation benefits scheme (ISERBS) because of the European Commission's delay in approving United Kingdom applications for re-adaptation aid under the treaty of Paris. No payments can be made until Commission approval has been given. We are continuing to press the Commission for an early decision on these cases.

Regional Development Grant and Regional Selective Assistance Expenditure

£ million

TTWA York Barrow Preston

Fin. Year RDG RSA RDG RSA RDG RSA

1978–79 0.3 0.1 1.3 0.1 1.6 0.6

1979–80 0.4 neg 0.9 neg 1.3 0.3

1980–81 0.6 neg 0.9 neg 1.5 0.3

1981–82 0.7 neg 1.6 neg 3.1 0.2

1982–83 0.3 neg 0.1 — 0.4 0.2

1983–84 — neg — neg 0.6 0.5

1984–85 — neg — neg — 0.1

1985–86 — — — — neg 0.1

1986–87 — — — — — —

Notes:
1. Stafford and Lincoln TTWAs are not assisted areas and have not therefore received any RDG or RSA. The assisted area status of the remaining TTWAs has changed during the period and none of the areas is now assisted.
2. Regional selective assistance includes project and training grants only.
3. neg = less than £50,000.

§ Mr. Austin Mitchell
To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) what was the total expenditure on(a) regional development grant and (b) selective assistance to Upminster travel-to-work area in each year from 1973 to 1979 to date.
(2) what was the total expenditure in (a) regional development grant and (b) selective assistance to Portland travel-to-work area in each year from 1978–79 to date;
(3) what was the total expenditure on (a) regional development grant and (b) selective assistance to Weymouth travel-to-work area in each year from 1987–79 to date;
(4) what was the total expenditure on (a) regional development grant and (b) selective assistance to Redditch travel-to-work area in each year from 1978–79 to date;
(5) what was the total expenditure on (a) regional development grant and (b) selective assistance to Droitwich travel-to-work area in each year from 1978–79 to date;
(6) what was the total expenditure on (a) regional development grant and (b) selective assistance to Bodmin travel-to-work area in each year from 1978–79 to date;

Regional Development Grant and Regional Selective Assistance Expenditure
£ million
TTWA	York	Barrow	Preston
Fin. Year	RDG	RSA	RDG	RSA	RDG	RSA
1978–79	0.3	0.1	1.3	0.1	1.6	0.6
1979–80	0.4	neg	0.9	neg	1.3	0.3
1980–81	0.6	neg	0.9	neg	1.5	0.3
1981–82	0.7	neg	1.6	neg	3.1	0.2
1982–83	0.3	neg	0.1	—	0.4	0.2
1983–84	—	neg	—	neg	0.6	0.5
1984–85	—	neg	—	neg	—	0.1
1985–86	—	—	—	—	neg	0.1
1986–87	—	—	—	—	—	—