§ Mr. Ronnie CampbellTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what new proposals he has to encourage private sector investment in Blyth Valley; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsPrivate sector investment will be encouraged by the enterprise initiative, with its help for design, quality, marketing, manufacturing systems, business planning and financial information systems; regional enterprise grants for investment and innovation; regional selective assistance where necessary to bring about desirable projects; exports; research and technology; and in the relationship between business and the world of education.
§ Mr. Ronnie CampbellTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will estimate the amount of industrial support given to Blyth Valley since 1985.
§ Mr. AtkinsSince 1985, £11.93 million of industrial support has been approved or offered through the regional selective assistance, revised regional development grant and support for innovation schemes to firms in the Blyth Valley parliamentary constituency area. Individual payments of over £25,000 under the original regional development grant scheme have, in addition, amounted to £2.4 million in the three calendar years 1985, 1986 and 1987.