HC Deb 11 January 1993 vol 216 cc622-3W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the decision reached at the Edinburgh summit on the package of measures to assist fishing communities known as objective 6.

Mr. Curry

The Edinburgh Council decided not to introduce a new objective 6, but agreed that "Appropriate attention should be given to the needs of areas dependent on fishing, within the relevant objectives"—that is, the existing objectives of the European structural funds.

The European Commission's proposals for revised structural funds regulations are expected in the near future and should include proposals to bring the European Council's decision into effect. The regulations are clue to enter into force on 1 January 1994.

During negotiation of the regulations, the Government will seek to ensure that proper account can be taken under the objectives of the needs of United Kingdom areas which are dependent on fishing.