§ 17. Mr. Boyesasked the Secretary of State for Energy if he has any plans to increase the cash available to NCB (Enterprise) Ltd.; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe £20 million already allocated to NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. remains sufficient for the company's needs, but I am pleased to say that on present calculations it will attract £120 million of investment. To the end of December 1985 the, company had committed £5.5 million to assist projects, creating some 3,700 new jobs.
§ Mr. BoyesIs the Secretary of State aware that a vital meeting took place in Durham on Friday between representatives of Sunderland borough council, Easington district council and Durham county council to consider a series of projects for the regeneration of the area following many pit closures? Outside the meeting, when I suggested that £20 million was a pittance an official of NCB (Enterprise) said that any sum could be made available if a case could be made out with relevant projects. As the programme of projects will cost £60 million, will the Secretary of State consider it sympathetically, particularly in view of the high level of unemployment in my area?
§ Mr. WalkerThe company is considering all sensible proposals being made to it. Under the present proposals about £120 million is likely to be invested in the coming period. We welcome any sensible suggestions made to that company.