HC Deb 14 July 1997 vol 298 c70W
Mrs. Gillan

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans her Department has to control business practices which involve companies claiming fees in advance for services which are freely available through Government-supported operations. [8479]

Mrs. Roche

My Department is aware of cases of unscrupulous practice by a small number of companies—so called "grant cowboys"—who trade in grant availability advice to businesses. My advice to firms approached by such companies is to talk to their Business Links, who are a local and reliable source of advice on the full range of business support that is available both from the EU and other sources.

We will continue to keep the matter under review.

Mr. Sanders

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what restrictions apply to Business Link support for small firms; and if she will make a statement. [7899]

Mrs. Roche

Business Links are able to support all small firms within the limitations of European Community State Aid rules.