HC Deb 04 April 1995 vol 257 cc1032-3W
Mr. Raymond S. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what proposals he has for the future administration of the European social fund in Scotland, and if he will make a statement. [18693]

Mr. Lang

I took the responsibility last year for European social fund expenditure under objectives 1, 2 and 5b for the new programming period which started on 1 January 1994. I have now agreed with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment that I should assume responsibility for the administration of all European social fund expenditure in Scotland.

As regards the Great Britain objective 3 programme, the Scottish Office will be responsible for all relevant projects which commenced from 1 January 1995 onwards. On the same basis, my Department will also be responsible in Scotland for all Community initiatives involving ESF support, including ADAPT and EMPLOYMENT.

To this end, I have agreed with my right hon. Friend that these arrangements should be implemented from 1 April 1995 and the relevant administrative and financial changes are being put in place on that basis.