§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the regional investment fund for the north-east has been temporarily closed for applications; and if he will make a statement. [108506]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 7 February 2000]: The Regional Investment Fund for the north-east has not yet been opened. Preparations are underway for the launch of the fund in March 2000.
§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if enterprises in (a) the town of Berwick-upon-Tweed, (b) Tweedmouth, and (c) Spittal will be eligible to apply to the regional investment fund for the north-east. [108504]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 7 February 2000]: The north-east regional investment fund has been supported by European funding as part of the region's Objective 2 Programme for 1997–99. As the Berwick-upon-Tweed area did not have Objective 2 status under this programme, enterprises in that part of the region can not qualify for assistance. However, the area will enjoy Objective 2 status under the Programme for 2000–06. It will be for the north-east regional partnership to determine whether a similar project should be included in the new Programme.