§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what representations he has had about certain regions of the United Kingdom qualifying for objective 1 status in European funding regimes;
(2), pursuant to the oral statement of the Minister for Local Government and Inner Cities on 10 February, Official Report, column 1009, which regions of the United Kingdom he now considers poor enough to qualify for objective 1 status for European funding; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 17 February 1993]: The Government have received representations from several hon. Members, local authorities, and others. Qualification for objective 1 does not only depend on gross domestic product. Other factors may be taken into account, such as peripherality.
Concerning the regions that the Government believe should become eligible for objective 1 grants, I refer the hon. Member to the answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Falmouth and Camborne (Mr. Coe) on 17 February.
§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade when he intends to have discussions with the European Commission about redrawing the regional map of Europe with regard to funding criteria for EC structural funds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Sainsbury[holding answer 17 February 1993]: I understand that the European Commission hopes to adopt its proposals for revised structural funds regulations soon. The Council of Ministers will consider the proposals in the late spring or summer.
Decisions on eligibility under the objectives of the funds must await the adoption of the regulations by the Council of Ministers.