§ Ms. QuinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if his Department is to propose any changes to the rules governing access by local authorities to the European regional development fund and other EC structural funds.
§ Mr. YeoAccess by local authorities to the European structural funds, including the European regional development fund—ERDF—is governed by the relevant European Community regulations which establish operating procedures for the structural funds. In consultation with member states, the Commission will be reviewing the structural funds so that new regulations can be in place by the end of 1993. In the meantime, no change is envisaged to the current arrangements whereby local authorities apply for ERDF grants.