HC Deb 02 April 1992 vol 222 cc495-6W
Mr. David Shaw

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what information he has on assistance made available to businesses locating in the Nord Pas de Calais region by the French Government and French local authorities; and if he will make a statement on the level of comparable assistance currently available to businesses in Dover, Deal and east Kent.

Mr. Needham

I understand that a range of assistance from central Government and the regional council is available to businesses in Nord Pas de Calais. In east Kent, businesses have access to the overseas trade services provided by my Department, to the DTI consultancy scheme and to technology support. We are currently carrying out a review of the assisted areas in Great Britain and will take into account all of the arguments advanced about east Kent.