The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has expressed surprise that the European Commission (EC) has launched an investigation into a flagship £330m scheme to help businesses in poor areas.
The EC is looking into claims that the scheme is in breach of European Union rules preventing the use of state funds to help industry except in restricted circumstances.
Business organisations were angered by news of the probe which could lead to the scheme being scrapped.
Financial Times 19/10/00 page 3
The Times 19/10/00 page 27, page 29 (Commentary)
The Guardian 19/10/00 page 26
