§ 89. Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what action he proposes to improve links between the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas and local enterprise agencies.
§ Mrs. RumboldI am satisfied that the close links already established between CoSIRA and the Local Enterprise Agencies which operate in rural areas work well, to the mutual benefit of both organisations and of the small business man in securing a complementary yet comprehensive advice service. I have no plans, therefore, to alter existing arrangements.
§ 90. Mr. Bellinghamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he plans to increase the funding of local enterprise agencies in rural areas.
§ Mrs. RumboldThe Development Commission previously provided assistance towards the start-up costs of local enterprise agencies in rural areas. In the light of the Government's new five-year scheme administered by the Department of employment the commission is currently reviewing its assistance in this field and will issue revised guidelines in due course.