§ Mr. GarnierTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how much funding his Department will be providing to TECs in 1995–96 for small and medium businesses.
§ Mr. Ian TaylorFor 1995–96, my Department is providing TECs with £32.7 million to part fund a range of business—support measures aimed mainly at small and medium-sized businesses. A further £8.8 million is being provided to TECs for the diagnostic and consultancy service delivered by Business Link. My Department is also providing funding totalling £42.9 million for providing a range of advisory services in Business Links and for helping to complete the Business Link network which will mainly assist small and medium-sized businesses.
The total funding for 1995–96 is £84.4 million, as compared to £57.4 million for 1994–95. This substantial increase reflects the high priority which my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade attaches to the speedy development of the Business Link network and to the enhancement of the level and quality of business support services.