§ Mr. Hilary BennTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what recent discussions he has had with the European Commission on gap funding; and if he will make a statement. [122819]
§ Ms Beverley HughesI refer my hon. Friend to my answer of 21 March 2000,Official Report, columns 471–72W. 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.