HC Deb 26 February 2004 vol 418 c512W
Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the Government proposals for EU regional policy after 2006(a) falls within existing EU treaty obligations and (b) has been accepted by the Commission. [155224]

Jacqui Smith

The Government considers that its proposals for EU regional policy after 2006 do fall within existing Treaty obligations. Our proposals aim at reducing disparities between regions, with a focus on the needs of the poorest Member States.

The Commission's proposals for the future development of EU regional policy is set out in its Third Cohesion Report, which was published on 18 February. This report will provide an important contribution to the ongoing debate. We shall want to assess the policy and budgetary implications of the proposals in the report carefully against the Government's objectives for reform.