To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many representations she has received in 1995 about payments to voluntary organisations from the European social fund; and if she will make a statement. [7124]

There have been 60 recorded representations from or on behalf of voluntary organisations made to the Department in 1995, about payment delays and the European social fund payment process. Payment delays have been caused by a series of difficulties arising from the late signing of the 1994—96 programme and from the interpretation of the new 1993 ESF regulations.