HC Deb 22 July 2002 vol 389 cc777-8W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many businesses have received advice from the National Business Debtline; if the pilot project will be extended beyond three years; and if she will make a statement. 1702011

Nigel Griffiths

At the end of business on Friday 12 July 2002 the Business Debtline had answered calls from 11,008 different businesses since the pilot started. Approximately 19–20 per cent. of the callers ring on more than one occasion and this is not reflected in the 11,008 calls referred to above.

The project will be evaluated in the coming months and a decision will be made in the light of the results of the evaluation and in conjunction with the banks, who are our partners in this, as to whether it will be extended beyond three years.