WRITTEN QUESTION E-1206/96 by Robin Teverson (ELDR) to the Commission (15 May 1996)

Subject: Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly, a group of small islands to the west of Cornwall, are not only designated as a 'less-favoured-area' (Directive 75/268/EEC) ((OJ L 128, 19.5.1975, p. 1. )) but also part of an Objective 5b region. Is the Commission aware that no special assistance has been made available under these designations to help with the particular difficulties faced on the Isles, not to mention extra costs?

Does the Commission agree that, given these difficulties, further special assistance should and will be made available to the Isles of Scilly and other similar regions in the EU? Can the Commission also encourage the UK authorities to provide, through these existing designations, the additional assistance this area so badly needs?

Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (7 June 1996)

As part of the single programming document (SPD) for the objective 5b area of the south west region of the United Kingdom, specific provision has been made to address the particular problems facing the isles of Scilly. A measure within the programme seeks to provide support for the fragile horticultural and agricultural industry through encouragement for a wider range of enterprises, developing the marketing of the islands' produce and support for local community initiatives. The total cost of this measure is indicated within the SPD at 2.7 MECU, of which 1 MECU of grant assistance will be provided from the European agricultural guidance guarantee fund. Such a specific geographical measure is unique within the context of objective 5b SPDs for the United Kingdom and is a clear demonstration that the special needs of this group of small islands are recognised by the Commission.

The isles of Scilly are also eligible for assistance from the other 5b measures within the programme which is the largest 5b programme within the United Kingdom with an estimated total value of 514 MECU of which the total Community contribution is approximately 219 MECU (at 1994 prices). In addition, the isles of Scilly fall within the West Cornwall Leader programme which is already operational. As such there is considerable scope both financially and in strategic terms to help the isles of Scilly.

In terms of encouraging the United Kingdom authorities to provide additional assistance to the islands, all applications under the SPD are assessed against core criteria and then assessed against individual measure criteria. These are determined by the partnership and agreed by the programme monitoring committee. Within the selection criteria there is no geographical provision, rather the criteria reflect the priorities of the SPD and place an emphasis on added value, partnership, economic impact and value for money. In addition, all SPDs are subject to interim evaluation. If the relevant United Kingdom authorities are able to undertake their interim evaluation by March 1997, any relevant findings can then be used to guide the monitoring committee with respect to the future implementation of the SPD where particular needs can be identified and addressed. It is through this process that the particular problems and needs of the isles of Scilly can be fully addressed.