HC Deb 21 January 1999 vol 323 c544W
21. Mr. Illisley

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proposals he has to improve regional competitiveness. [65211]

Mr. Byers

The White Paper, "Our Competitive Future: Building the Knowledge Driven Economy", which was published in December 1998, sets out new proposals to improve regional competitiveness. These include a refocused Regional Selective Assistance, new measures to support the growth of smaller businesses in selected areas, new regional venture capital funds and extra funds for the new Regional Development Agencies in England to address their regional competitiveness needs.

23. Mrs. Ellman

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how he will ensure that his proposals for innovative start-ups from the public sector science and engineering base will enhance competitiveness in regional economies. [65213]

Mr. Byers

The Government are currently setting up new Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) to enhance the competitiveness of the English regions. These will play an important role in encouraging innovation and the exploitation of our knowledge base. The help for innovative start-ups announced in the Competitiveness White Paper will be available through Business Links partnerships which will work closely with national and local partners to ensure the support they deliver meets regional needs.