§ Mr. HesfordTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the effect on small and medium-sized enterprises of the assisted area status policy. [128865]
§ Mr. CabornMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry announced the introduction of Enterprise Grant Areas in England on 15 July 1999,Official Report, column 275W. Small and medium sized enterprises in the Enterprise Grant Areas and in Tiers 1 and 2 of the Assisted areas are eligible to apply for Enterprise Grants. The introduction of Enterprise Grant Areas significantly increased the number of areas in England where small and medium sized enterprises could apply for grants to support investment.