§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the viability of Business Link outlets which have already been created. [18106]
§ Mr. PageAll Business Links which are open have convinced a national assessment panel that they have sound financial plans, including their long-term viability.
Business Links are private sector companies. It is for their boards to ensure that they remain solvent and that they keep their expenditure within their income. This includes, for 1995–96 alone, £38.5 million from the Government for pump priming, in addition to £50 million which will be provided for services. The amount available for services will be known three years in advance in a rolling programme for funding. Over and above Government funding, there will be additional funding from other partners, membership fees, charges for services and sponsorship income.