HC Deb 05 April 1995 vol 257 cc1180-1W
24. Mr. Kevin Hughes

To ask the President of the Board of Trade how many business links have been established to date. [16460]

Mr. Heseltine

There are currently 75 business links operational and approval has been given for a further 146.

27. Mr. Clapham

To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he expects the network of business links to be completed. [16463]

Mr. Heseltine

There are currently 75 business links open, a further 146 have been approved and there remain only 17 areas to come forward to the national assessment panel.

Progress has been good with over two thirds of the network now approved. By the end of 1995, there will be around 200 outlets operational and every firm in England should have access to a business link.