To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has had concerning the funding of Cheshire's business innovation centre; and if he will make a statement.

I have had several representations, including my hon. Friend's, asking for grants from the European regional development fund to be made available to the Cheshire business innovation centre. The centre is eligible to apply.

Will my hon. Friend confirm that there are moneys available at the European level for the business innovation centre? Will he encourage the local authorities to apply for that money, and give the application fair wind?

It is not a matter for me to adjudicate upon, but moneys are available and I hope that an application will be made. My hon. Friend's urging is of great significance and will be taken into account by those who ultimately make the decision.

If an application is made now that moneys are available, will the Minister give it his support in the right quarters in Brussels?

The application will be considered by the programme monitoring committee. Clearly, the application must satisfy the usual criteria—notably, that it represents good value for money and that there is no duplication. I am sure that those making the application will apply their minds to satisfying precisely those criteria.