§ Mr. CousinsTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the annual expenditure in each British standard region on grants under the business improvement services grant scheme; what it was for the last half year; what was the share in the national total of such expenditures; what steps are being taken in the northern region to promote this grant scheme; and what liaison 435W arrangements exist between the Tyne and Wear and Teesside urban development corporations in the administration of this scheme.
1985 1986 1987 October 1987-March 1988 £000 per cent. £000 per cent. £000 per cent. £000 per cent. North East 188 6 1,206 10 1,886 13 981 17 North West 1,488 45 5,358 44 4,259 30 1,634 29 Yorkshire and Humberside 1,493 45 5,433 45 7,414 52 2,951 52 East Midlands 152 5 57 1 715 5 112 2 TOTAL 3,322 100 12,055 100 14,274 100 5,678 100 The regional distribution results from the selection of eligible areas, on criteria determined by the European Community regulations. Funds available under the scheme are now substantially committed, so it is no longer appropriate to promote it. The administration of the scheme lies with my Department.
Experience from the business improvement services scheme has been valuable in devising the new measures contained in the enterprise initiative. The latter is receiving widespread and extensive publicity in all areas of the business community, including of course Tyne and Wear and Teesside.