§ Mr. Peter AtkinsonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement about progress on the establishment of a regional supply network. [16085]
§ Mr. HeseltineI am pleased to report that the regional supply network, which forms part of my Departments Business Links services, will become operational in April 1995. The network has, with funding from my Department, been established in fulfilment of a commitment in last years competitiveness White Paper, Cm 2563. It will consist of 10 regional supply offices covering England and will complement similar existing operations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The network will:
help purchasers to find the most competitive sources of supply; provide new business opportunities for competitive suppliers; encourage the spread of best practice, supplier development and local chains;highlight current deficiencies in local supplier capabilities, signpost firms to Business Links and other relevant business support organisations which will help to rectify such deficiencies.Further information is contained in a leaflet on the regional supply network. I am placing copies in Library of the House.