The European Parliament,

A. having regard to the RECHAR programme for coalmining areas which are experiencing severe decline,

B. having regard to the persistent failure of the UK government to implement the European Community's additionality rule, which requires that EC monies allocated under Community programmes be additional to, rather than instead of, monies allocated by the Member State,

C. mindful that the UK government's position in relation to EC structural expenditure has been determined largely by its policy of restraining public expenditure,

D. having regard to the Commission's decision to freeze the RECHAR grants of over 100 million to the United Kingdom as a result of the UK government's failure to apply the principle of additionality,

E. having regard to the possibility that other EC grants to the UK may be withheld by the Commission if the UK government does not adhere to the additionality rule,

F. having regard to the successful implementation of the RECHAR programme in France, Spain, Belgium and Germany,

G. having regard to the continual complaints by politicians, trade unions, business and community organizations in Northern Ireland (confirmed in its resolution of 14 December 1990 on Community regional development measures to assist Northern IrelandOJ No. C 19, 28.1.1991, p. 595) that Community monies granted for specific needs within the province have been absorbed by the UK Exchequer,

H. whereas, not for the first time, the UK government has demonstrated its aversion to supporting Community initiatives which could be of direct benefit to disadvantaged sections of the UK population, such as EC structural measures in the fisheries sector,

1. Deplores the UK government's failure to satisfy the Commission of its intention to provide the necessary national resources for the implementation of the RECHAR programme;

2. Stresses its deep regret that the UK government has wilfully denied UK coalmining areas of support which the Community deems not only to be justified but also necessary;

3. Supports the stance adopted by the Commission in this instance and urges it to continue to exert the maximum pressure on the UK government to adhere to the additionality principle;

4. Believes it essential that mechanisms are introduced for ensuring that EC funding reaches the sectors and regions for which it is intended and is not diverted by national governments;

5. Enjoins the UK government to follow the example of other Member States by implementing the additionality principle and adopting a more constructive approach to all EC structural policies, including the RECHAR programme and with regard to measures for the fisheries sector;

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States.