HL Deb 15 November 1989 vol 512 cc1400-1WA
Lord O'Hagan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What role they consider it proper for a MEP to play in assisting British citizens to apply for European Community grants; and

Whether they give less help to private sector applicants for European Community grants than other member state governments do; and whether they have recently compared the levels of support given; and

Which department is responsible for advising private sector applicants about grants available from the European Community; and whether they will place in the Library copies of any information available to the public.

Viscount Ullswater

The Government believe that it is for MEPs to decide how they can best serve the interests of those of their constituents seeking grants from the EC Commission. It is impossible to quantify levels of advice given in different member states. In the UK, departments will provide advice as appropriate on the EC grant schemes for which they are responsible, and applicants should therefore approach them accordingly.