§ 39. Mr. SteelTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Borders regional council concerning the possibility of European Community assistance for the Borders region.
§ Mr. RifkindBorders regional council have asked for a case to be presented to the European Commission in support of their claim for Community assistance as a rural area. Their claims, and those of other non-assisted rural areas, will be considered by the Government once the new regulations and procedures governing the Community's structural funds have been finalised. However, funds available for rural areas will be limited, and concentration on the most needy areas will be necessary.