§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what(a) advice and (b) support was provided to Thomas Whitter Ltd. by the Government office for the north-west after the company was taken into administration. [20874]
§ Alan JohnsonNo advice or support has been sought by or given to Thomas Witter Ltd. by the Government office for the north-west.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what decisions were taken by the north-west development agency in relation to support for Thomas Whitter Ltd. following the actions taken by the Government office for the north-west. [20873]
§ Alan JohnsonNo decisions have been taken by the north-west development agency about support to Thomas Witter Ltd. The agency has been in contact with the company, but the company does not feel that the agency can do anything to help. The agency remains willing to discuss support should that position change.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to her answer of 29 November 2001,Official Report, column 1047W, on the Government office for the north-west, what (a) support and (b) advice the Government office for the north-west provides to companies in non-assisted areas on management buy-outs. [20877]
§ Alan JohnsonThe Government office for the north-west can provide advice on a range of issues associated with management buy-outs, either directly or indirectly, by referring the company to one of its partner organisations, such as the Small Business Service or the north-west development agency. The Government office cannot provide direct financial support to companies in non-assisted areas.
463W
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what files the Government office for the north-west holds on concerns raised by hon. Members on behalf of local companies. [20876]
§ Alan JohnsonThe Government office for the north-west holds files where concerns raised by hon. Members have led to some substantive action being taken.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what are the criteria for companies to receive(a) advice and (b) support from the Government office for the north-west when placed in administration. [20875]
§ Alan JohnsonAny company may seek advice from the Government office for the north-west, regardless of its situation. A company may be eligible for financial support from the Government office if it is located in an assisted area and is investing in capital expenditure. This can apply to a company in administration where the legal entity of the company changes.