§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the review of the Assisted Areas map and the timing of its conclusions. [76666]
§ Mr. Wills[holding answer 15 March 1999]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.