HL Deb 02 March 1993 vol 543 cc33-4WA
Lord Mason of Barnsley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why the European Regional Development funds allocated by the EC Commission to United Kingdom local authorities and mining communities are being held up; what sums are involved and whether they will list the projects that have been submitted for recognition; and

What prospects there are of another round of RECHAR (Reconversion des bassins charbonniers or conversion of coalfields) monies from the European Regional Development Fund during 1993 and 1994 and whether any projects for assistance have been submitted.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Baroness Denton of Wakefield)

No funds are being held up. Over £30 million has so far been allocated to over 400 projects. The balance has to be allocated by 31st December 1993. Many more projects—too many to list here—are under consideration and are expected to be approved shortly.

Any extension of RECHAR into 1994 would be under revised regulations due to come into force in January 1994. These are unlikely to be adopted before the summer of 1993.