HC Deb 27 January 1999 vol 324 c274W
23. Mr. Gareth Thomas

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about reform of European structural funds in relation to Wales. [66292]

Mr. Michael

It is important that reform of the Structural Funds provides an outcome that is affordable, durable and fair and my Department is fully involved in discussions at the UK level and in Brussels to secure an outcome consistent with these principles. For Wales this should ensure that Structural Funds support is targeted at the most needy areas of the country and it remains very likely that West Wales and the Valleys will benefit from an Objective 1 programme starting next year.

In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.