HC Deb 06 July 1993 vol 228 cc108-9W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what representations he has received about objective 4 of the European social fund; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

[holding answer 5 July 1993]: The Department has consulted those organisations involved in the management of projects supported by the European social fund—ESF—in the United Kingdom about the reform of the European structural funds, including the proposed new objective 4. Most respondents shared the Government's view that the European social fund should continue to be concentrated on assisting the unemployed, particularly the long-term unemployed and young people. The reform of the European structural funds was discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 2 July where, subject to an Irish reservation on the overall package, it was agreed that training for the unemployed should remain the priority for expenditure under the ESF.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any proposals to secure the future funding of voluntary organisations following the proposed reduction in the European social fund; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

[holding answer 5 July 1993]; Across the European Community resources allocated to the European structural funds, including the European social fund—ESF—are set to increase by 40 per cent. over the period 1993–99. Training and employment measures supported by the ESF are selected on an open and competitive basis to ensure value for money.