Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Sturdy Excerpts

Thursday 18th November 2010 Commons Chamber

[Vince Cable]

The hon. Gentleman is right on a matter of fact: this is a cap on non-EU migration, not on migration from the EU.

[Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con)]

23. What plans he has for the future of the regional growth fund.

[The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk)]

As I said earlier, the regional growth fund is a challenge fund for the whole of England and it should not have any ring-fencing or pre-allocations. We expect a number of very positive applications, and the first opening round of those will conclude on 21 January 2011.

[Julian Sturdy]

Businesses in my constituency often impress on me how important reliable modern infrastructure is to their success. Can the Minister confirm that bids to the regional growth fund for capital funding will be considered if they meet the objectives set out in the growth White Paper?

[Mr Prisk]

I can confirm that all bids that meet the criteria of the fund, including bids for projects such as those that my hon. Friend mentioned, will, of course, be considered on their merits.