Memorandum by Jacqui Smith MP, Minister
of State for Industry and the Regions, Department of Trade &
Industry (COA 56)
As you may be aware, the Select Committee's
Urban Affairs Sub-committee is carrying out an inquiry into the
regeneration of the Coalfield Communities. I attach the terms
of reference for the inquiry. A number of questions have arisen
concerning the support for businesses and the economy within the
coalfield areas in the submissions which we have received. I would
be grateful if you could provide answers to the following questions
to assist with the inquiry.
1. How is the DTI co-ordinating its work
with other Government departments in terms of promoting a coherent
response to the coalfield closures? Would the DTI support the
setting up of a working group which seeks to co-ordinate different
department's initiatives?
2. The EU's structural funds are subject
to review in 2006. Will the DTI ensure that those areas currently
with Objective One or Two funds do not suffer an abrupt withdrawal
of funding in 2006 and that at the very least there will be transitional
funding if that eligibility is lost? If the UK Government takes
over the management of regional funds, what criteria does it plan
to use, to distribute them?
3. The Assisted Areas are also subject to
review in 2006. Does the DTI expect that similar levels of support
will be available to tier one and two coalfield areas after that
date?
I would be grateful for your responses by 10
November so that they can be reflected fully in the inquiry. The
Sub-Committee may decide to invite you to give evidence to the
inquiry.
David Clelland MP
Chairman of the Urban Affairs Sub-committee
24 October 2003
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