South Africa (Investment) (Hansard, 15 December 1997)

§ Mrs. Ballard
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what was the budget for the British Investment in South Africa (LETS) Scheme in(a) 1985–86, (b) 1986–87 and (c) 1987–88. [20478]

§ Clare Short
The total budget for the British Investment in Africa Promotion Scheme to cover both Pre-Investment Feasibility Studies (PIFS) and LETS components is £2 million. Expenditure for the three years was as follows:

1995–96: £203,505

1996–97: £356,276

1997–98: £275,191 (April-December)

All expenditure has been on the (PIFS) facility.

§ Mrs. Ballard
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development what plans her Department has to simplify the criteria for small firms who make applications to the British Investment in South Africa (LETS) Scheme; and if she will make a statement. [20476]

§ Clare Short
The British Investment in South Africa Promotion Scheme was reviewed earlier this year and a number of improvements have recently been made to enhance its effectiveness. The Local Employee Training Scheme (LETS) has been made more accessible to smaller firms by reducing the minimum intended investment from £200,000 to £100,000. Firms employing between 10 and 500 employees are eligible to apply for LETS grants to cover 50 per cent. of training costs up to a maximum of £50,000. UK firms which have already received a Pre-Investment Feasibility Study (PIFS) grant and have subsequently invested in South Africa are also now eligible to apply for a LETS grant. A brochure giving details of the improvements made to the Scheme has been issued recently by the British Council, the Scheme managers.

§ Mrs. Ballard
To ask the Secretary of State for International Development how many grants have been awarded to British businesses for the British Investment in South Africa (LETS) Scheme since its inception. [20477]

§ Clare Short
The British Investment in South Africa Promotion Scheme, known as BIS, has two components. Twenty-five grants have been awarded for Pre-Investment Feasibility Studies. Only four applications have been received for the Local Employees Training Scheme (LETS). One was rejected, one lapsed and the other two are currently under consideration.