"All of Wales deserves a share"

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 9th Feb 2006

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM for Brecon and Radnorshire, Kirsty Williams, has asked the First Minister to ensure as many parts of Wales as possible will benefit from the next round of European funding.

During yesterday's plenary session, Ms Williams called on the Minister to clarify what his intentions for East Wales are, as regards the funding.

Ms Williams said: "The new guidelines mean the whole of East Wales could qualify for assistance. Although the Economic Development Minister has said that his intention is to get the money for as much of East Wales as possible, Rhodri Morgan has said the money should be targeted at Newport, Wrexham and Flintshire, leaving my constituents out in the cold.

"I have asked the Minister to clarify his position and hope he will do everything in his power to ensure that as much of Wales as possible can benefit from this new round of European funding."

The European Commission has published its new Regional Aid Guidelines for the period 2007-2013. West Wales and the Valleys are classed as a 87(3)a assisted area; East Wales is eligible for an 87(3)c area, if the UK Government agrees to class it as such. The UK Government is currently out to consultation on what areas to include as 87(3)c and a decision is expected to be reached by July