HC Deb 04 April 2001 vol 366 c208W
Mr. Levitt

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will set out, with statistical information relating as directly as possible to the constituency, the effects on the High Peak constituency of his Department's policies and actions since May 1997. [156780]

Mr. Caborn

The constituency of High Peak has benefited from a range of initiatives since May 1997 includingRegional Selective Assistance—a discretionary grant which provides assistance towards capital projects which would not otherwise go ahead and will create or safeguard employment in an Assisted Area. Until 31 December 1999 the High Peak area was in an Assisted Area and up to this date grants totalling £455,000 were offered to three companies supporting total capital expenditure of £3,523,000 with the aim of safeguarding 30 existing full-time jobs and creating in excess of 80 new full-time jobs. Enterprise Grant—a new discretionary grant introduced in 2000. Provides support to SMEs investing in capital projects which would not otherwise go ahead. Although SMEs investing in capital projects in the Peveril ward of High Peak district council, no grants have yet been awarded in this area. Smart—discretionary grant available to SMEs to help them develop technologically innovative products and processes. Grant totalling £346,857 has been offered to six projects supporting total projects costs in excess of £837,000. Business Link—the Business Link network provides a wide range of business advice and support to SMEs. It is not possible to accurately isolate Business Link data for the High Peak constituency area. However, from 1997 to date, Business Link North Derbyshire, which now includes the High Peak constituency, has helped a total of 4.987 businesses and assisted 1,422 business start ups. European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)—in addition to its domestic initiatives, the Department of Trade and Industry is also the lead Department for European Structural Funds in the UK. Under ERDF Objective 5b (1994–1999) and the LEADER II Community Initiative, High Peak has benefited from £1.23 million. The projects supported have delivered a range of industrial premises, business support and small community projects. I understand that my hon. Friend has also asked a similar question in respect of DETR policies and programmes.