Written question asked by Bernie Grant (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 12 June 1996. It was answered by Paul Beresford (Conservative) on Wednesday, 12 June 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: What steps he has taken to ensure that black and minority ethnic businesses are able to compete successfully as part of the SRB Challenge Fund programme in London and the regions.

Answer: Mr. Grant: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what steps he has taken to ensure that black and minority ethnic businesses are able to compete successfully as part of the Single regeneration budget challenge fund programme in London and the regions.[31966] Sir Paul Beresford: The SRB challenge fund bidding guidance clearly sates that bids for funding must be supported by partnerships representing all those with a key interest, including ethnic minority communities. Challenge fund objectives also address the need to involve ethnic minorities; these include enhancing the employment prospects, education and skills of local people, particularly the young and those at a disadvantage, and promote equality of opportunity, and promoting initiatives of benefit to ethnic minorities. Over a third of successful SRB challenge fund schemes in the first two bidding rounds are specifically targeted at ethnic minorities. In addition, over 60 per cent. of successful round 2 schemes will include outputs for which ethnic minorities are intended beneficiaries.

Secondary information