§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what Government support is available for the setting up of call centres, with particular reference to rural areas. [146487]
§ Mr. TimmsThere is no specific Government support for the setting up of call centres in rural areas. However there is a range of business support available in certain circumstances including regional selective assistance (RSA). RSA is available to support investment and the creation or safeguarding of jobs in the assisted areas for viable projects that benefit regional and national economies and which without RSA would not go ahead.
The DTI invests £1 billion a year in support of business and of that sum £400–500 million is spent on business support schemes. RSA with an annual budget of £110 million is one of the largest business support schemes. Our aim is to use this money in a way that ensures the best possible return on investment for the UK and makes a real difference to business performance.