§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has received 0concerning(a) assisted area status and (b) Objective 2 status in North East Wales; and if he will make a statement. [82734]
§ Mr. Hain(a) We received 9 representations on assisted area status for North-East Wales in response to the consultation launched on 30 July 1998.
(b) There is currently a consultation process underway on the criteria that should be used for identifying Objective 2 areas across Great Britain. All areas of East Wales not likely to be designated as Objective 1 are eligible for consideration for Objective 2 status. The consultation closes on 25 May.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact of the loss of assisted area status for Deeside upon the aerospace industry at Broughton, Deeside; and if he will make a statement. [82735]
§ Mr. HainThe assisted areas map has not yet been decided. In responding to the consultation document, Flintshire County Council and British Aerospace set out the case clearly for retaining assisted area status for Broughton. This case is being considered.