§ Mr. PurchaseTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what investment in small businesses has resulted since the launch of the local investment fund in 1994; what action has been taken to publicise the existance of the local investment fund; what steps the Government are taking to increase investment in the fund; and if he will make a statement. [26914]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThis is a matter for the management of the local investment fund. The local investment fund was established by means of a £1 million grant from the Department of the Environment matched by £2 million from the private sector in grants and loans. It is a registered charity operating independently of Government.