§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the President of the Board of Trade how many(a) individuals and (b) companies have been assisted by (i) the Isle of Wight business link and (ii) his Department in the last three years. [2567]
§ Mr. PageBusiness links are private sector partnerships, not Government bodies. National statistics on businesses using business link are available in the quarterly "Report on Business Link and Business Link Regional Supply Network Management Information" and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House. Local statistics are a matter for local business link partnerships and I will ensure that the chief executive of business link Isle of Wight is aware of my hon. Friend's question.
Information on the number of individuals and companies assisted by my Department in the last three years can be provided only at disproportionate cost.