§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress of Britech. [156388]
§ Mr. Caborn[holding answer 2 April 2001]: The Britain-Israel Technology Fund—"Britech"—was established by an intergovernmental agreement between the UK and Israel and each country is contributing £7.75 million over five years. It is being administered by The Britech Foundation Limited, which was incorporated in the UK on 27 October 1999 and has offices in both countries. To date six projects have been fully approved and £1.9 million funds committed; seven projects are under consideration; and a further nine project proposals are being finalised.