§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with other Departments concerning the award of EU Objective 2 status to the constituency of Alyn and Deeside; and if he will make a statement. [105553]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyMy Department worked closely with other Government Departments and with the National Assembly for Wales on the UK's proposed Objective 2 map for the period 2000–06. This was approved last month by the European Commission. The Welsh map was unchanged from the UK Government's proposals of 8 October, a copy of which I sent to all Welsh MPs and MEPs.