§ Mr. Andrew F. BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will give an assurance of the availability of funding from central Government for projects eligible for funding under objective 2 of the European regional development fund, in Stockport;
(2) what projects he has identified as eligible for funding from the European regional development fund, in Stockport; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsI have been asked to reply.
Stockport's eligiblity for European regional development fund assistance, as part of Greater Manchester county, is subject to the Commission's confirmation of its provisional objective 2 list. My Department and the Department of the Environment will consider with the local authorities and other interests concerned what projects should be proposed to the Commission for support from the ERDF, and the manner in which it will be sought. Decisions on use of the fund rest with the Commission. Central Government funding will depend upon the nature of projects eventually agreed.