§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what money is available for allocation in the final round of bids under the European regional development fund non-quota textile allocations scheme; what bids have been submitted for consideration; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Trippier£13.2 million of grant remains available under the textile non-quota special measure, for which applications worth £4.3 million have been received. £37.9 million of grant has already been awarded under this measure.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what proposals there are for an EEC scheme to replace the European regional development fund non-quota textile scheme on its expiry.
§ Mr. MaudeI have been asked to reply.
None. However, as stated in my answer on 3 March, at columns 641–42, to which I would refer the hon. Member, small and medium sized firms throughout Great Britain may now apply for consultancy grants under my Department's enterprise initiative. In the urban programme area of Burnley these are available at the higher (two thirds) rate.