§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the planned budget is of the Union Modernisation Fund for each year between 2004 and 2009. [153550]
§ Mr. SutcliffeWe have not yet set the fund's budgets for individual years because our planning is at an early stage. I envisage that total spend from the fund will be of the order of £5 million to £10 million. I do not expect any expenditure from the fund before 2005–06 and I have not yet decided when it will close.
§ Mr. Stephen O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what proportion of the Union Modernisation Fund will be(a) discretionary and(b) for helping workplace representatives to understand corporate accounts and corporate strategies; and if she will make a statement. [153551]
§ Mr. SutcliffeOur ideas to establish a fund are in their early stages. However, we plan to undertake a full public consultation on the draft rules of the fund in the autumn. When we have finalised the detailed rules of the fund after those consultations, we will be able to answer the particular questions you raise.