§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Prime Minister what benefits have been brought to Nottingham and Nottinghamshire arising(a) from membership of the European Community (b) the consequences of the Single European Act.
§ The Prime MinisterMembership of the EC has contributed, with the policies of the present Government, to faster growth and greater prosperity in which Nottinghamshire has shared, and which has reduced unemployment in the Nottingham travel-to-work area from 12.8 per cent. to 8.3 per cent. in the two years to April 1989ߞa reduction of 35 per cent.
The Single European Act will facilitate the creation of the single European market which will enhance these opportunities still further, particularly in view of the United Kingdom's proven attraction as a location for inward investment projects such as Toyota's, which will create new business and employment opportunities throughout the east midlands.
Nottinghamshire is likely to benefit substantially from the EC's recent decision to make new areas of the county, including Mansfield and Worksop, eligible for help from the European regional development fund.