§ 2. Mr. Bellinghamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many local enterprise agencies are in existence; and how many are in the process of being set up.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (Mr. David Trippier)There are 238 local enterprise agencies and a further 38 are in the process of being set up.
§ Mr. BellinghamIs my hon. Friend aware that a local enterprise agency is in the process of being set up in King's Lynn, where, regrettably, the unemployment level is above the regional average? Is he further aware that, when established, it will play a crucial role in helping small buinesses, and thus will help to reduce unemployment? What Government help is available to such local enterprise agencies?
§ Mr. TrippierI am aware that an enterprise agency is in the process of being set up in west Norfolk. Having visited my hon. Friend's constituency on two occasions, I take this opportunity to pay him a warm tribute for the initiative that he has displayed in bringing forward this enterprise agency.
The main assistance that is available for the establishment of local enterprise agencies is from the private sector. The principal assistance available from the Government is the tax relief on the contributions made by the private sector, provided that those enterprise agencies are established. In addition, pump priming funds are available at regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry.
§ Mr. LoydenDoes the hon. Gentleman agree that in enterprise zones the development—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. That is a different question. The question is about enterprise agencies.
§ Mr. LoydenI am referring to these zones in the context of small businesses. Is the Under-Secretary of State aware that the retail outlets that have been developed in enterprise zones are destroying the small businesses that lie outside those areas? Is it not a fact—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. The hon. Member is still referring to a different subject.