HC Deb 08 May 2000 vol 349 cc283-4W
Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will re-include the Farnworth and Kearsley wards in the assisted status map as it affects the Bolton metropolitan borough. [120846]

Mr. Caborn

The consultation period on the amended proposals for the new Assisted Areas ended on 2 May. The Government are considering carefully the representations received, including those relating to Bolton, and will be discussing the representations received with the European Commission. The new Assisted Areas are subject to approval by the Commission.

Mr. Beith

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information about wards included in and excluded from the assisted areas map was given to representatives of the media by(a) ministers, (b) special advisers and (c) officials in his Department before Monday 10 April. [121049]

Mr. Caborn

No advance information about wards included in or excluded from the revised assisted areas map was distributed to the media before Monday 10 April.

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