§ Mr. Andrew MitchellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if the Government will now undertake a review of the assisted areas map; and if there will be a period of public consultation.
§ Mr. SainsburyThe assisted areas map was last drawn in 1984. In consultation with the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales, my right hon. Friend and I have decided to review it. The revised map will in due course have to be cleared with the European Commission and I plan to put proposals to it later in the year.
A consultation paper on the arrangements for the review and the criteria which will be taken into account in considering changes to the map has been prepared. I have placed copies in the Library and copies are also available from my Department and the Scottish and Welsh Offices.
The problems and needs of all areas will be carefully considered in the review. There will be a period of public consultation. Local organisations and other bodies wishing to make representations should send these either to the appropriate DTI regional office for areas in England or to the Scottish or Welsh Offices before the end of September 1992.