§ Mr. GaleTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the progress made by the Thanet working group and action taken following publication of the Thanet working group report.
§ Mr. AtkinsI have today placed in the Library of the House copies of a progress report by the working group, entitled "Thanet into the 1990s". I am grateful to those in the local authorities and other organisations who have played their part in the activities of the group and the production of this report.
The business improvement services scheme which DTI launched less than a year ago, has been a success. Two companies supported by this scheme have gone on to win national prizes for marketing and enterprise. Our enterprise initiative business consultancy scheme has also been attractive to Thanet firms. Up to the end of 1988, more than 30 companies had received application forms and a dozen business reviews, for which the DTI pays the full cost, had been completed. The DTI's enterprise and education initiative adviser for Kent is paying special attention to the needs of Thanet.
Thanet now enjoys European Community employment area status. A major business park development is in train as the working group recommended. United Kingdom and foreign-owned firms are starting to take an interest in the area. Communications are being improved.
Many of the recommendations that the working group put forward just over a year ago have been followed up, but there is still work to be done. We know that local communities and agencies will continue to tackle the area's development needs with commitment and enthusiasm.
The DTI south-east's area office in Reigate and our office in Margate, in Thanet itself, are well placed to offer advice and help and necessary contact with all Departments.