§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the visits she has made to firms employing fewer than 50 workers since 1 January 2003. [157862]
§ Ms HewittI undertake many visits to companies in the course of my Ministerial duties and as a Constituency MP and I have quarterly meetings with the Chair of the Small Business Council. My officials have checked the records and, since 1 January 2003, I have visited two companies with fewer than 50 employees, in my capacity as Secretary of State.
6 June 2003—Voice Connect Groby, Leicestershire14 November 2003—Inspiration Healthcare, Beaumont Leys, LeicesterRecords also show that during the same period, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Minister for Small Business and Enterprise has visited some 21 companies with fewer than 50 employees.