To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment she has made of the situation at Business link Wirral following Cewtec's decision to request the Government Office for Merseyside to investigate the circumstances surrounding events in 1996. [5817]

[holding answer 27 June 1997]: Officials from the Government Office for Merseyside have already begun a detailed investigation as requested by CEWTEC. I have asked for that investigation to be conducted speedily and have written to the Chief Executive of CEWTEC to that effect. When the report is received I will be in a position to consider what action needs to be taken.