asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what are the likely effects on employment in development areas following the implementation of EEC regional policies.

It is the purpose of the Regional Development Fund to help create and maintain employment in the assisted areas of member countries, including the United Kingdom, Resources available from other Community funds, including the Social Fund and the European Investment Bank, also serve this purpose. The new rules for co-ordinating regional aids should help to avoid the diversion of investment opportunities to more prosperous areas in other member States through the bidding-up of regional incentives.