§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the average time taken to process applications for discretionary grants in respect of capital investments by small businesses; and what action is being taken by his Department to reduce the time taken to process applications and forward grants.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe main forms of discretionary grants towards capital investment by small firms are regional enterprise grants (investment) and regional selective assistance. The average times taken to process grant applications and payment claims during the period 1 January—31 May 1989 were as follows:
Weeks Regional enterprise grants (investment) applications 3.9 Regional enterprise grants (investment) payment claims 1.2 Regional selective assistance applications 7 Regional selective assistance payment claims 3.1 The Department is continuing its downward pressure on processing times consistent with the proper administration of the scheme.