§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research his Department has undertaken into discrepancies between the numbers of(a) white entrepreneurs and (b) ethnic minority entrepreneurs obtaining business loans and other forms of financial assistance. [123085]
§ Ms HewittThe experiences of ethnic minority businesses in the UK in raising finance are extremely varied and the nature of the problems they face are very complex. This is why the DTI, together with the Bank of England and the British Bankers Association is supporting an extensive new study into the finance needs of ethnic minority businesses.
The study, which began in January, will survey 1,000 business owners from five ethnic groups in London, Birmingham, Leicester and Strathclyde over a two year period. It will address issues of perceived and actual discrimination.
This high quality research over an extended time scale will provide the banks and the DTI with a solid foundation upon which to help all ethnic minority business to succeed.