HC Deb 31 March 1999 vol 328 cc804-5W
Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of the working population of the United Kingdom is at present covered by assisted area status; and if he will estimate the percentage after 1 January 2000. [79559]

Mr. Wills

The Commission Guidelines designate levels of coverage in terms of residence-based population. The current level for the United Kingdom is 38.3 per cent. In December 1998, the Commission informed the UK that the coverage of its Assisted Areas designated under Article 92(3)a and 92(3)c after 1 January 2000 should be no more than 28.7 per cent.

Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the criteria which are being used in drawing up the new map of assisted areas in the UK for submission to the European Commission. [79580]

Mr. Wills

The Government have not yet decided the criteria which it will use in drawing up the new Assisted Areas map. They will be published as soon as possible.