HC Deb 14 March 1994 vol 239 cc467-8W
Sir Thomas Arnold

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the number of economic development agencies in the north-west; and if he will list them.

Mr. Neil Hamilton

There is no agreed definition on the basis of which to identify bodies as economic development agencies.

A number of organisations in the north-west are involved in assisting economic development, some independent, and some directly attached to existing bodies such as local authorities and chambers of commerce. The Government seek to promote a coherent and co-ordinated approach by all these bodies, for example through the business link initiative.

When Ministers from this Department visit the countries of eastern Europe, they use every opportunity to encourage the Governments concerned to continue on the path of economic reform including following policies which will promote the growth of a vibrant small firms sector and accelerate privatisation.