§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many applications have been submitted for EC funding under objective 3 for funds to assist with retraining in parts of England; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythUntil the negotiations on the objective 3 plan to use European social fund resources throughout Great Britain have been concluded, it is not possible for the Employment Department to approve any applications for ESF assistance. The Government submitted the objective 3 plan at the beginning of November 1993, and there have been a number of discussions since then. We continue to press upon the Commission the need for an urgent decision so that essential training for the unemployed is not disrupted.