The Earl of Mar and Katieasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will give urgent consideration to the re-inclusion of Carsebridge, Alloa, as an Assisted Area for Regional Selective Assistance. [HL2935]
§ Baroness Ramsay of CartvaleCareful consideration has been given to the Assisted Area map for the whole of Scotland and the Government have listened carefully to all representations that have been made. The European Commission raised a number of concerns that required changes to the original proposal. The most recent proposal, published on 10 April 2000, gives Scotland a population coverage of 48 per cent, down by only 1 per cent from the original proposal. I am sure that the final outcome will be good for Scotland.