HC Deb 22 January 1993 vol 217 cc487-8W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consultations he has had with the Association of British Chambers of Commerce regarding the proposed setting up of core chambers of commerce; what time scale he is proposing; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Leigh

My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has consulted extensively with representatives of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce (ABCC) regarding its proposals to set up core chambers of commerce.

The Government support the objectives of the ABCC as set out in its development strategy. Chambers provide a valuable focus for information and support for business. However, coverage is currently patchy and there is considerable untapped potential for chambers to achieve economies of scale. I believe that the establishment of core chambers, and their closer co-operation with other business support organisations to develop one-stop shop business advice centres in each area, will lead to a major improvement in the quality of the support provided to companies.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what criteria he has agreed with the Association of British Chambers of Commerce for financial contributions from his departmental funds towards the cost of development executives; and for what length of time such contributions will be available.

Mr. Leigh

The Government support the objectives of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce (ABCC) to set up a coherent network of chambers, as set out in their development strategy. In each case for which funding is required, the President of the Board of Trade will expect to be satisfied that the proposal is consistent with realising this strategy.

Subject to this condition, my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade has agreed with the ABCC that he is prepared to fund half the cost of a development officer in each of the core chambers for up two years. The chambers have to fund the remaining 50 per cent. of the cost, and the whole of any continuing cost after the initial two-year appointment.