HC Deb 26 October 1998 vol 318 cc23-4W
Mr. Sanders

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the criteria for determining future qualification for assisted area status; and if he will make a statement. [55699]

Mrs. Roche

On 30 July 1998,Official Report, columns 563–64, I launched a 3 month period of public consultation on the criteria and the geographical units which should be used in drawing up the new Assisted Areas map. The consultation period finishes on 30 October and we shall listen carefully to views expressed. No decisions have yet been taken on the criteria to be used.

Mr. Sanders

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what studies his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the structural economic problems of British seaside resorts. [55708]

Mrs. Roche

The Department has not commissioned any studies of the structural economic problems of British seaside resorts. However, the special needs of these areas will be taken into consideration during the current review of the Assisted Areas.