§ Mr. Nicholas Bakerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will make a statement about the future role of the Development Commission and the Council of Small Industries in Rural Areas.
§ Mr. KingI am discussing this with my colleagues and the chairman of the Development Commission in the context of the review report on the functions and operations of the two bodies and Government policy for assisting rural areas and small firms. I expect to make a statement shortly.
In the meantime I am glad to be able to announce two initiatives which will give immediate help to small firms in rural areas. As from today, COSIRA will be able to act as lenders of last resort throughout rural areas while, in their special investment areas, the Development Commission will be able to finance, jointly with local authorities, the provision of much needed workshops. The first is expected in many cases to make the vital difference between whether or not a new firm starts up or an existing firm continues in existence. The second will help to meet an urgent and increasing demand. These changes will be accommodated within existing cash limits and public expenditure provisions.