§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the value of the RECHAR funds earmarked for the United Kingdom at present frozen by the European Commission pending the outcome of his review of additionality.
§ Mr. LeighThe United Kingdom's 11 RECHAR programmes for our coalfield areas, which are at present awaiting approval by the Commission, apply for a total of some £109 million of European Community grant.
§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the terms of reference for this review of the additionality issue in respect of RECHAR funding; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeighDiscussions are continuing between the Departments concerned and the Commission on a range of issues relating to the operation of the structural funds in the United Kingdom. I attach great importance to the United Kingdom's RECHAR programmes and hope that they will be approved by the Commission very shortly.