HC Deb 15 January 1988 vol 125 cc419-20W
Mr. Speller

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster which of the measures outlined in his publication "DTI—the department for Enterprise" (Cm 278) will be applicable to areas which do not at present have either regional or assisted area status.

Mr. Atkins

Many of the measures outlined in "DTI—the department for Enterprise" (Cm 278) apply throughout Great Britain; such measures include those on competition policy, and improving business and education links. Innovation programmes, including the new collaborative research initiatives in superconductivity and information technology, apply throughout the country, with the exception of the new innovation grant for small firms which will be available only in the development areas.

Independent firms with fewer than 500 employees are eligible for support of half of the cost of consultancy projects to improve marketing (including export marketing), design, quality management, manufacturing systems and, from April, business planning and financial and information systems. The rate of support is two thirds of the cost in assisted areas and urban programme areas.

The English Industrial Estates Corporation is giving priority to a programme of managed work space primarily in inner city locations.