§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much of the SBS Business Incubation Fund has been allocated; how many applications have been rejected; how many applications are awaiting a decision; and if she will make a statement. [70194]
§ Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 22 July 2002]: The SBS Business Incubation Fund was created in October 2001.
Applications totalling £4.5 million have been received. The fund's panel of independent experts are evaluating these. Further applications from projects, currently at an early stage, are expected to be made to the fund once they reach their appropriate level of development. To date, three have been rejected.