HC Deb 09 November 1999 vol 337 cc506-7W
9. Ms Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the criteria for eligibility for EU structural funds in Scotland. [96353]

Mr. Wilson

The framework for the new round of Structural Funds was set by decisions at the Berlin Summit in March 1999. As elsewhere in Great Britain, the criteria relate to industrial decline, urban deprivation, declining rural areas and fisheries dependency.

20. Mr. Malcolm Bruce

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the recent list of areas eligible for European structural funding in Scotland, compiled by UK ministers and sent to the European Commission for approval; and if he will make a statement. [96365]

Mr. Wilson

The detailed proposals for Scotland were based on recommendations by the Scottish Executive, prepared in close consultation with my department. Both I and the Scottish Executive have received a number of representations from different parts of Scotland, including from the North East. The Scottish Executive has made it clear that in implementing Structural Funds it will want to see transitional support concentrated on the highest priority areas which were not included in the proposals for full Objective 2 coverage.

27. Mr. Browne

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the prospects for the Scottish economy following the publication of the Government proposals on assisted areas and Objective 2 funds. [96372]

Mr. Wilson

Proposed new assisted areas announced in July provide continuing coverage for locations which account for a very high proportion of regional selective assistance awarded over recent years. Proposals for Objective 2 coverage put forward in October represent a fair balance between pressing needs in urban and rural Scotland, while transitional funding will be available for areas no longer covered by Objective 2 and Objective 5b. In each case the outcome should minimise any economic impact of the overall reduction in coverage being imposed for the period from January 2000.

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