§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she will take to regulate services to business provided by consultants in the private sector on the issue of United Kingdom Government grant availability relating to the European Union. [3269]
§ Mrs. RocheMy 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. HinchliffeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what proposals she has to reform the current structure of local, regional and national business advisory services dealing with European Union and United Kingdom Government grant support. [3271]
§ Mrs. RocheMy Department will work with existing business support organisations, and with the proposed Regional Development Agencies, to strengthen the quality of all business support services.