asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to what extent the resources for the business improvement scheme have been allocated and spent; and if he will make a statement on the future of the scheme.

The business improvement services package of schemes operates only in England and Wales. Broadly similar schemes operate in Scotland and Northern Ireland. £53,950,000 has been allocated to BIS in specified areas in England. At the end of November 1986, 68 per cent. of this amount had been fully committed in response to applications, and 28 per cent. of it actually paid to applicants. But I am keeping the future of the BIS under review.