§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he will introduce legislation to allow sales and marketing consultants to apply for help under the market entry guarantee scheme.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe market entry guarantee scheme, originally restricted to manufacturing industry, was extended to the service sector, including consultancy services, with effect from 24 June 1981.
§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Trade how many applications he has had for the market entry guarantee scheme.
§ Mr. Peter ReesThe market entry guarantee scheme was introduced on 26 Janurary 1978. A total of 331 applications have been received resulting in 102 agreements. A further 15 companies are considering offers of agreement and 29 applications are under consideration.
§ Mr. Iain Millsasked the Secretary of State for Trade if he is satisfied with the operation of the market entry guarantee scheme.
§ Mr. Peter ReesWhilst always open to suggestions for improvements, I am broadly content with the operation of this scheme. Industry's interest has continued at a high level, particularly since the scope of the scheme was extended to cover the service sector last June.