§ The Earl of Shrewsburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether it is their policy that any venture capital funded project is considered an inappropriate recipient of government assistance during the period of initial repayment of the financiers, and, if so, why.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish)There is no general policy across forms of government assistance for industry which discriminates against firms funded by venture capital. However, the financial position of companies seeking government assistance is assessed, as appropriate, on a case-by-case basis, and may affect judgments about the appropriateness of government assistance in each instance.