§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, pursuant to his answer of 21 December to the hon. Member for Battersea (Mr. Bowis) on local authority economic development, what is his policy with regard to the future funding by local authorities of support and advisory staff for new businesses.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 10 January 1989]: Local authorities have an important role in providing advice and 24W suitable back-up support for new businesses in their area. The new general economic development power will enable them to do this. We are discussing with the local authority associations the precise scope of the power which will be embodied in regulations in due course.