§ Mrs. Ewingto ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has made to the European Commission in relation to the review of Objective 1 and Objective 5b structural funds. [2558]
§ Mr. ChisholmIn relation to the interim period re-assessments of the current 6 year Objective 1 and 5b programmes, the consultants' reports on the Scottish areas have all been received. They are being discussed by the Partnerships, who will produce any initial proposals for 323W review of the programmes. I expect to put forward proposals to the European Commission late this Summer or in early Autumn.
The Government has not put forward detailed submissions to the Commission at this early stage of the Reform of the Structural Funds. We expect to put forward some proposals after the completion of the Inter-Governmental Conference.