§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action is being taken to help people who are(a) aged 50 and over and (b) aged under 25 years, and who are not working to set up their own businesses. [136698]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 7 November 2000]: The Small Business Service was launched in April this year to provide information, advice, or access to experts, on all aspects of running a business. The services are available to anyone wishing to set up or run their own business irrespective of age.
In addition, the SBS is working with PRIME (The Prince's Initiative for Mature Enterprise) with a view to supporting that organisation's plans to enhance access to finance for unemployed over 50s seeking to start in business.
The Government also continue to provide support for programmes and initiatives to help the creation of an enterprise culture in the country. This includes support for schemes such as Young Enterprise which aim to double to 200,000 the number of pupils benefiting from enterprise courses in our schools and colleges.