HC Deb 13 February 2001 vol 363 c110W
Mrs. Ellman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions when he last discussed with the European Commission matters relating to the Merseyside objective 1 programme that have been referred to the DTI state aid unit; and when he expects the project to be approved. [147848]

Ms Beverley Hughes

Those project proposals that require notification will be put to the European Commission for approval. None of the proposals for funding from the Merseyside objective 1 programme has as yet been put to the EC and the Secretary of State has not entered into discussion about them. Advice is being sought on a number of project proposals for this programme and it is likely that additional information will be required on some before notification can take place. Approval is a matter for the EC and notifications are dealt with as quickly as possible.