§ Mr. McAvoyTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what assistance is given to unemployed young people or those in part-time employment seeking to establish a co-operative run enterprise as a means of creating permanent full-time employment in response to market demand. [1789]
§ Mr Raymond S. RobertsonI have been asked to reply.
In Scotland, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are responsible for the business start-up scheme, which assists unemployed people to become self-employed. In 1995–96, over £11 million has been allocated to this scheme. Resources are not earmarked 687W specifically for the establishment of co-operative run enterprises, but neither is support precluded. Assistance may also be provided through the main programme, training for work, which helps long-term unemployed 688W people into work. Some local enterprise companies provide financial support, via regional councils, to assist individuals and organisations, particularly in areas of high unemployment, to set up co-operatives.