HC Deb 29 April 1970 vol 800 cc1228-9
10. Mr. Blaker

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will state the number of different census and other forms required by his Department to be completed annually by small businesses employing less than 20, 50, 100 and 200 people, respectively.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dun woody

Apart from the returns which companies are required to furnish under the Companies Act, 1967, there are two sets of statistical returns: one annually, and one for manufacturing firms quarterly; plus in the few appropriate cases monthly returns on air transport operations. Where possible, very small firms are exempted from the inquiries or are asked to complete only part of a form, and in many cases sampling methods are employed. Many small firms contribute voluntarily to statistical inquiries.

Mr. Blaker

Is the hon. Lady aware that the smaller the firm the more likely it is that these forms will have to be filled in by fairly senior executives who would be better employed in running the firm? Since it seems clear that this burden on small firms is increasing, would she say what action her right hon. Friend, as the Minister responsible for small businesses, is taking?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I am perfectly well aware that in small firms a senior executive must often undertake the work of filling in the returns. But the hon. Gentleman should bear in mind that all the questions and statistics we ask for have been decided in conjunction with industry, and in many cases are of assistance not only to the small firms, but to the industries of which they are a part.

30. Mr. Ridley

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will reduce the amount of official form-filling required of small businesses; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dun woody

The impact of official form-filling on small businesses is one of the subjects now being studied by the Committee of Inquiry on Small Firms appointed by my right hon. Friend the former President of the Board of Trade. The Government will wish to see its report before deciding what action, if any, is required.

Mr. Ridley

Is the hon. Lady aware that up to 16 major returns a year have to be filled in by small businesses? Would she place copies in the Library of every form emanating from the Government which has to be filled in annually by businesses so that we can judge for ourselves whether the task is too onerous?

Mrs. Dunwoody

I am always happy to add to the education of the hon. Member, if he wishes me to do so. But he is exaggerating wildly. There is a Survey Control Unit at the Central Statistical Office which examines all forms issued by Government Departments to eliminate duplication. If the number of forms he has given is correct, it is because the statistics are needed to assist not just the Government but also the industries concerned.

Mr. Barnett

Has my hon. Friend any estimate of how many extra forms and books of accounts will be needed by small businesses if a value-added tax is adopted here similar to that which exists in Europe at present?

Mrs. Dunwoody

We have not been able to do that, but since many small firms might be faced with even greater difficulties and with voluntary liquidations, it would be difficult to estimate accurately.