HC Deb 17 October 1994 vol 248 c162W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to ensure that the regional sourcing proposals about which his Department is currently consulting do not undermine the position of existing businesses in the sourcing sector; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

The regional supply network offices are encouraged to make use of existing businesses in the sourcing sector to assist in delivery of their services where they consider this appropriate. In addition, each office will be required to carry out a feasibility study on charging for its services before the end of its first year of operation.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what recent meetings his Department has had with representatives of manufacturing contacts; and what was the purpose of those meetings.

Mr. Eggar

My Department maintains a regular dialogue with a large number of manufacturing contacts to discuss a wide range of issues.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what consideration he has given to proposals from manufacturing contacts for the provision of an alternative service to his regional sourcing proposals; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

The service will be delivered through regional partnerships of existing business support organisations. They have been encouraged to consider ways in which they might co-operate with other bodies, including manufacturing contacts, in the provision of product sourcing services.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what charges will be made by those involved in his regional sourcing proposals to companies availing themselves of those services.

Mr. Eggar

I am currently awaiting detailed proposals from the prospective regional supply network offices, including their initial views on any charging policy. It is likely that it will not generally be appropriate for the offices to make charges initially. Each office will however be required to undertake a review of the feasibility of charging before the end of its first year of operation.