§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he plans to announce the objective 2 status map for Wales; and if he will make a statement. [82733]
§ Mr. HainThe UK Government are currently undertaking a consultation exercise to discover from local and regional partners their views on possible eligible areas under objective 2. This would include comments on the geographical areas; the NUTS level; and the criteria that might be used to determine eligibility.
The Government will then propose areas to receive objective 2 status. Any decisions by the UK Government are subject to agreement with the European Commission. It is hoped that an objective 2 map for the UK, including Wales, will be settled by the Autumn.