§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what is the relationship between the West Lakes Development Agency and British Nuclear Fuels; if he will define the role of the agency; and how much ERDF funding it received in each year since 1988.
§ Mr. EggarThere is no such organisation as the West Lakes Development Agency. The West Cumbria Development Agency has the objectives of attracting investment to the area, creating and sustaining employment there and helping local businesses become more competitive. I understand that British Nuclear Fuels plc, which is a member of the agency, has contributed just over £1 million each year to the West Cumbria Development Fund Ltd which provides financial support for the agency. In addition, the agency receives funding from a number of public and private sector organisations. The European regional development fund contributed £270,000 in 1990–91 towards business support measures.