§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he(a) has taken and (b) plans to take, (i) on a European level and (ii) on a UK level to protect the current levels of entitlement to structural fund moneys in Wales under the current review of those funds. [37834]
§ Mr. HainOn 26 March I met with Commissioner Wulf Mathies in London, and strongly recommended that the Commission consider the Welsh case for retaining structural fund support post-1999. I am confident that the Commissioner appreciates the strength of our case, and that we are committed to obtaining a fair deal for Wales.
Welsh Office officials are closely involved in all aspects of the review and policy formulation, and form part of the UK delegation involved in detailed negotiations in Brussels. They are committed to ensuring that Wales continues to secure the maximum benefit from the funds after 1999.