§ Mr. Ashdownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what forms of assistance are available to retail developments opting to trade in designated assisted areas.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonRetail firms both inside and outside the assisted areas may be able to benefit from the loan guarantee scheme, enterprise allowances and the small firms service. However, regional assistance is not generally available to retail developments serving only the immediate locality because of the net effect of such developments on competitors and jobs in the assisted region.