§ 31. Mr. Gerald Howarthasked the Paymaster General how many enterprise agencies are currently in operation; and if he will estimate the number of jobs created by these agencies.
§ Mr. TrippierI refer my hon. Friend to the reply that I gave earlier today to my hon. Friend the Member for Norfolk, North-West (Mr. Bellingham).
65. Mr. John Mark Taylorasked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on progress being made by enterprise agencies in the west midlands.
§ Mr. TrippierMy Department's west midlands regional enterprise unit is currently working closely with the fourteen local enterprise agencies within the region. These agencies, together with a further four that are in the process of formation, will provide coverage for all parts of the region.
All the established local enterprise agencies have developed business plans which are an essential feature for the proper development of agencies. These agencies, like most others, have financial worries, but the last year has 164W seen a significant increase in the amount of private sector funds donated to them. And I am sure that this trend will continue, spurred on as it will be by the Government's local enterprise agency grant scheme.
With the greater certainty that stems from a more secure financial base the west midlands enterprise agencies are increasingly seeking ways in which they can expand and improve the quality of their services. Through this development of their activities the agencies are enhancing the already valuable role that they are playing in the creation of jobs and small firms growth in the west midlands.
§ 67. Mr. Greenwayasked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on the role of enterprise agencies in creating jobs.
§ Mr. TrippierIt is viable and profitable businesses that create jobs. Local enterprise agencies can help the formation and growth of such businesses by advice and counselling and the provision of other services such as managed workshops, help in finding finance and so on.