HC Deb 19 June 2000 vol 352 cc65-6W
Mrs. Browning

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many regional map applications for assisted area status were rejected by the European Commission on first application by Her Majesty's Government in(a) 1997, (b) 1998, (c) 1999 and (d) 2000. [125351]

Mr. Byers

[holding answer 9 June 2000]: No regional map applications for assisted area status were rejected by the European Commission on first application for any of the years in question.

Mrs. Browning

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry for what reason he withdrew the proposed map conferring assisted area status on North Staffordshire.[125352]

Mr. Byers

[holding answer 9 June 2000]: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister for Trade to my hon. Friend the Member for Liverpool, Walton (Mr. Kilfoyle) on 10 April 2000, Official Report, column 38W.