§ Mrs. Ray MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the effect local government reform will have on projects currently being planned and undertaken by existing local authorities and specific requests for assistance of objective 1 funding; what guidelines his Department has drawn up or plans; what discussions his Department has had with local authorities regarding the matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartLocal government reform will not affect the ability of local authorities to compete for objective 1 funds. Any rights, liabilities and obligations of existing authorities resulting from grant awards before the new local authority structure comes into effect will be inherited by relevant successor authorities, as provided for in the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Bill. No specific guidelines are planned in relation to the European structural funds; and my Department has had no discussions with local authorities regarding the matter.