§ 12. Mr. PurchaseTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent consideration he has made of the financing of business links; and if he will make a statement. [26814]
§ Mr. HeseltineBusiness links have been assured of on-going funding from my Department for the delivery of counselling and business support services. They are also financed by partner contributions and by charging for services. Last months's competitiveness White Paper confirmed the Government's intention to fund the development of business links for a three-year period. Beyond that, the Government will continue to contribute funding to business link services on a three-year rolling programme, subject to evaluation.
§ Mr. PurchaseIs the President aware that a recent article in the Financial Times suggested that the funding for business links was not as secure as we have been led to believe? The President knows that there is all-party support for the concept and work of business links. Indeed, in my authority, a steering committee is ready to move forward to set up business links, a move about which I am very pleased. Can I take a message back to my authority that the funding for business links is assured and that it can look forward to increased prosperity as a result?
§ Mr. HeseltineI am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for taking the matter with the seriousness that it deserves. To qualify for the franchise, business links have to put forward a business plan, for which they are responsible, for appropriate national examination. That includes a business plan of how they are to fund their activities, taking into account the support which the Government will provide and their ability to raise funds from other sources, including charges. That is the responsibility of individual business links. We have given a commitment to an on-going three-year programme and, beyond that, to fund the specific services that the Government have suggested, such as technology counsellors and export and design advisers.
§ Mr. FormanIs my right hon. Friend aware that his answers will be very welcome to the small business community in my constituency? Will he see to it that his words are widely publicised in such groups as the Carshalton and Wallington business group and others which are committed to the contribution that small businesses can make, especially to new employment?
§ Mr. HeseltineI am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend. The fact is that 103 business links are now open in 39 areas and outline plans for another 142 have been approved in a further 30 areas. I have every confidence that the target that we set of 200 business links by the end of the year will he achieved.