HC Deb 15 March 1999 vol 327 cc475-6W
Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the representations received by his Department from Scottish local authorities regarding the review of assisted area status. [75915]

Mr. Wills

Representations were received from the following Scottish Local Authorities:

  • Aberdeen City Council
  • Aberdeenshire Council
  • Angus Council
  • Argyll and Bute Council
  • Clackmannanshire Council
  • Dumfries and Galloway Council
  • Dundee City Council
  • East Ayrshire Council
  • East Lothian Council
  • Edinburgh City Council
  • Falkirk Council
  • Fife Council
  • Glasgow City Council
  • Highland Council
  • Inverclyde Council
  • Midlothian Council
  • The Moray Council
  • North Ayrshire Council
  • North Lanarkshire Council
  • Orkney Council
  • Perth and Kinross Council
  • Renfrewshire Council
  • Scottish Borders Council
  • Shetland Islands Council
  • South Ayrshire Council
  • South Lanarkshire Council
  • Stirling Council
  • West Dumbartonshire Council
  • West Lothian Council.

Mr. Canavan

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he intends to make his recommendations on the review of assisted area status known to (i) the Scottish Office and (ii) the European Commission. [75914]

Mr. Wills

The review of Assisted Area status is being carried out in consultation with other Government Departments including the Scottish Office. Under the European Guidelines a new Assisted Areas map for the UK must operate from 1 January 2000. Changes to the Assisted Areas map must be agreed with the Commission, and they have asked for proposals from Member States by 31 March. Ministers are currently considering which proposals they will put forward.