§ 33. Mr. Fallonasked the Paymaster General whet her he will take steps to seek to increase the activity of venture capital companies outside the south-east of England.
§ Mr. TrippierThere is a wide range of investment opportunities throughout the United Kingdom. Some venture capital companies are represented outside the south-east and investors in industry have offices throughout the country. In recent years there have been valuable initiatives to provide venture capital to small companies on a regional basis, including the establishment of local business expansion scheme funds. Figures published in the recent report by Peat Marwick Mitchell showed that the regional distribution of investment under the business expansion scheme was broadly in line with economic activity as shown by VAT registrations. I am, however, keen to encourage the further development of venture capital facilities in all areas.