HC Deb 19 March 2002 vol 382 cc242-3W
Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on the(a) functions, (b) staffing and (c) funding at Trade Partners UK. [44472]

Ms Hewitt

Trade Partners UK brings together the joint work of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department of Trade and Industry in support of British trade and investment overseas. Details of its functions, staffing and funding are set out in "British Trade International, The Government's Expenditure Plans 2001–02 to 2003–04 and Main Estimates 2001–02", Cm 5123, a copy of which has been placed in the Libraries of the House.

Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many requests for assistance were received by Trade Partners UK in the first six months of 2001; how many were refused; and what the grounds were for refusal. [44475]

Ms Hewitt

Trade Partners UK provides advice, information and support to over 20,000 businesses each year through a variety of schemes and through a network of offices which spans the English regions, overseas diplomatic posts and a range of partner organisations. Information on requests for assistance which are refused is not available.

Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what criteria must be satisfied for an individual or company to receive assistance from Trade Partners UK. [44471]

Ms Hewitt

Trade Partners UK provides a range of information, advice and support to business. Detailed eligibility criteria vary according to the nature of specific schemes. The general factors to be taken into account were set out by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister in his reply to the hon. Member on 14 February 2002, Official Report, column 611W.

Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether the functions of Trade Partners UK include(a) assistance to individuals or companies attempting to make acquisitions overseas and (b) scrutiny to ensure that the acquisition is in the interests of the UK. [44474]

Ms Hewitt

Trade Partners UK's public service agreement performance target is 'enhanced competitiveness of companies in the UK through overseas sales and investments'. It therefore supports overseas investment by companies in the UK where there is a benefit to the UK in doing so. Each case is considered on its own merits and Trade Partners UK has access to a range of information and advice through the DTI, FCO and other Departments, as appropriate, in doing so.