§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will make a statement on the European Community RETEX programme, its application in Scotland and whether the Paisley area is eligible for assistance;
(2) if he will make a statement on the method of application of the additionality rule to the European Community RETEX programme;
(3) which agencies are eligible to apply for assistance through the European Community RETEX proposal; what assistance is available; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan Stewart[holding answer 28 February 1992]: We are considering the draft notice to member states which the Commission sent us on 22 January. Decisions on eligible areas, agencies eligible to apply and levels of assistance, will not be taken until the final shape of the initiative is known. The United Kingdom Government will naturally seek to ensure the most effective coverage of United Kingdom textile areas while avoiding any unfair competition against United Kingdom producers. The new arrangements for ERDF spending announced by my right hon. Friend on 17 February at column 22 will apply to RETEX.