§ Mr. Llew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission about its ruling on the investment of Government money in derelict land reclamation. [127570]
§ Ms Beverley HughesI refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 24 May 2000,Official Report, column 536W. My right hon. Friend, the Minister for Local Government and the Regions met Commissioner Monti on 2 March to discuss the problems we face in partnership working with the private sector in regeneration since the Commission's decision that the Partnership Investment Programme breached the state aid rules. These discussions continue at official level.