§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 6 July 2000,Official Report, column 264W, on 397W what date discussions between his Department and the European Commission about an alternative to the Partnership Investment Programme started; in what form these discussions have taken place; how far such discussions have progressed; and what conclusions have been reached. [131977]
§ Ms Beverley HughesDiscussions between the Department and the European Commission about an alternative to the Partnership Investment Programme began on 2 March 2000. Discussions are continuing. My Department is exploring a number of other avenues. Subject to the views of other Government Departments, this is likely to include a fact-finding seminar with other Member States in order to establish their approach to regeneration.