§ Mrs. AdamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what powers he has to investigate(a) an inquiry, (b) an investigation and (c) an audit into the accounts or trading activities of community businesses established with public funds; and if he will make a statement. [21008]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 25 April 1995]: Where financial assistance is being provided through the urban programme, my right hon. Friend has the right to ensure that the expenditure has been incurred for the purposes approved by him and seeks re-assurance from the sponsoring local authorities on this. My right hon. Friend has no powers in relation to community businesses once the period of any urban programme funding has expired.