§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the implications for West Cumbria of the current review of assisted area status levels of regional assistance. [114073]
§ Mr. CabornDuring the review process, the Commission notified the Government that Cumbria was one of 19 areas that have unemployment below and GDP above the EU average. The regional aid guidelines stipulate that, if approved for Assisted Area status, such areas may not benefit from aid to enterprises of more than 10 per cent. eligible costs.
§ Mr. Campbell-SavoursTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what discussions are taking place between the Government and the European Commission on the eligibility of areas of the United Kingdom for regional selective assistance; and if he will make a statement. [114072]
§ Mr. CabornMy officials have met officials from the Commission on a number of occasions to discuss the proposals which we submitted for new Assisted Areas. In addition, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, has held discussions with Commissioner Monti. In all of our discussions, we have sought to obtain early approval of our proposals.