§ Mr. Bowen Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what local efforts have been made in Liverpool and Merseyside to support Government programmes run by his Department.
§ Mr. TrippierDepartment of Trade and Industry programmes in Liverpool and Merseyside were, until October 1983, supported by its North-West regional office in Manchester, a small firms centre in Liverpool, and Departmental representation in the work of the Merseyside task force. The Department has now expanded its sub-office on Merseyside to give a more general promotion of its programmes, including export services, and to appraise applications for support under the Industry Act. The Liverpool small firms centre has also been strengthened.
In its work, the regional office co-operates closely with other Government Departments and agencies represented on Merseyside. When appropriate the Merseyside office also works with local authorities, the private sector and other bodies on local initiatives to improve business confidence, to develop the small firms sector and to improve the awareness of new technology and associated schemes of assistance.