Written question asked by Michael Moore (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 18 July 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 July 2006. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Tuesday, 25 July 2006 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Area Assistance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when he expects the Government will submit its final UK Assisted Areas map to the European Commission following the closure of the consultation on 7 August.

Answer: [holding answer 24 July 2006]: The European Commission require two months to consider our proposed map and we will need to ensure that there is sufficient time for the new Assisted Areas map to be considered by Parliament through the secondary legislation proceeding. Stage two of the consultation on the draft Assisted Areas map will close on 7 August. The Government will then consider all responses received. The Government are working to ensure a new map is in place when the present map expires on 31 December 2006.

Secondary information