HL Deb 25 May 1999 vol 601 cc86-8WA
Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domer

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What bodies they consulted on the possible United Kingdom criteria for Objective 2 areas for the purposes of European Union structural funds. [HL2461]

The Minister of State, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Simon of Highbury)

The Government have received a wide range of representations from MPs, MEPs and councillors, as well as representations from regional and national partners, on the possible UK criteria and the designation of eligible areas under Objective 2.

On 30 March, a consultation paper on the review of the structural funds was issued, seeking views from interested parties on the designation of eligible UK areas under Objective 2. The final date for comments was 25 May. All areas will be considered for inclusion equally on the basis of need and against objective criteria, even if no specific representations are made.