§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has made to the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding match-funding for Objective 1 projects in Wales in each of the past 15 months. [150652]
§ Mr. HainI have regular discussions with Treasury on a wide range of subjects.
The Government won Objective 1 status for West Wales and the Valleys and is providing public expenditure cover outside of Barnett for the Assembly's receipts under the Structural Funds.
It is for the Assembly to take its own spending decisions but this arrangement ensures that the Assembly can make match funding available, for that portion of match funding which it will be providing.
§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met the First Secretary to discuss the funding of Objective 1 projects. [150014]
§ Mr. HainI have regular discussions with the First Minister on a wide range of subjects.
As at 31 December 2003, the Objective 1 Programme has committed more than £680 million of grant to more than 1,000 projects, representing a total project investment of nearly £1.65 billion. To date, projects have reported the creation of some 22,000 gross new jobs and more than 30,000 jobs have been safeguarded.