§ Mr. McCrindleTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what is the increase in the level of central Government funding from the European social fund in 1989 over 1988; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the split in Britain's European social fund allocation between central Government and the voluntary sector; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarFor 1988 the European Commission allocated over £215 million to programmes run by central Government. For 1989 the allocation was £236 million while around £26 million was allocated to the voluntary sector. We view the continued support of the European Commission through the European social fund as of great importance in our efforts to improve training opportunities and combat unemployment.