§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales on what date the final proposal of the Welsh Office for a new NUTS 2 map for Wales was submitted to the Office for National Statistics; and if he will make a statement on the time taken to draw up this submission. [40359]
§ Mr. HainThe NUTS 2 boundaries for the United Kingdom are under discussion between the Office for National Statistics and Eurostat (the statistical office of the European Commission). The Welsh Office, in common with other Departments, is in regular contact with the Office for National Statistics on the handling of the proposals relating to the NUTS 2 boundaries in Wales. It has not proved possible so far to reach agreement with Eurostat on the original proposals for the UK put forward in July 1997 and this has necessitated the further consideration that has been taking place.