asked the Secretary of State for Industry what criteria he uses to define areas which receive regional aid in the United Kingdom; and what are the criteria used in each of the member States of the European Communities.

The criteria for defining areas eligible for regional assistance in the United Kingdom are laid down in the Local Employment Act 1972 and the Industry Act 1972. In defining the areas, the Secretary of State is required to have regard to all the circumstances actual and expected, including the state of employment and unemployment, population changes, migration and the objectives or regional policy. The criteria used in other member States are a matter for their own Goverment and Parliaments.