§ Mr. SwinneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if the allocation of cover for the recently announced transitional funding for the Highlands and Islands will be made through the Scottish Block. [80091]
§ Mr. MacdonaldAs happens at present for the existing programmes, the allocation of public expenditure cover for the special European Structural funds programme for the Highlands and Islands will be one of the elements of the former Scottish Block which will make up the Assigned Budget of the Scottish Administration.
From 1 July 1999, the administration of European Structural Funds will be the responsibility of the Scottish Administration.