HC Deb 11 March 2002 vol 381 c748W
Ms Oona King

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if SRB Round 6 funds can be used to gap-fund projects. [41386]

Ms Keeble

Following a ruling by the European Commission in December 1999 that the operation of the Partnership Investment Programme outside the Assisted Areas contravened state aid rules, the Department took the precautionary measure of disallowing gap funding schemes under SRB Round 6.

SRB funds to assist commerce or industry are permissible within the regional aid ceilings published by the European Commission.