§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the estimate of the amount that will have been spent on 1994–95 under objective 3 of the European structural funds; what amount has been applied for in 1995–96; and on what date the application was made. [24155]
§ Miss WiddecombeThe European Commission works on a calendar year cycle for its financial commitments. In 1994, 478 mecu, about £368 million, has been committed to European social fund objective 3 projects in Great Britain. The actual expenditure will not be known until later this year, when our final claims for 1994 are submitted.
80WIn 1995, 497 mecu is available. This is drawn down from the Commission in a series of tranches. The first 50 per cent., 248.5 mecu, was requested on 21 April 1995.