To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many locally based venture capital funds have been set up since 1999. (84790)

I have been asked to reply.

DTI does not operate locally based venture capital funds. To discover the number of funds run by others, including local authorities, would incur disproportionate cost.

The Small Business Service has invested in nine Regional Venture Capital Funds and three Early Growth Funds with a regional focus.