§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what percentage of EC grants intended for the United Kingdom has been claimed in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesI have been asked to reply.
As EC grants made under the structural funds are allocated on a multiannual basis, no annual figures for grants actually claimed are available. However, of the structural funds allocated to the United Kingdom for the period 1989–93, approximately 80 per cent. have been committed to projects. The remaining 20 per cent. is expected to be committed before the end of the year. Since there is no allocation specific to the United Kingdom in respect of other EC expenditure it is not possible to say what percentage of grants intended for the United Kingdom has been claimed.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he intends to take to ensure that all EC grants intended for the United Kingdom are claimed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Garel-JonesI have been asked to reply.
Government Departments give detailed information to interested bodies and individuals on EC grants and moneys which may be available. In the case of structural funds, the DTI monitors commitments and experience on a detailed and regular basis. This gives early warning of the possibility of any allocations not being taken up so that the necessary action can be taken.