HC Deb 21 December 1972 vol 848 cc1567-9
Q4. Mr. Redmond

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the coordination between the Departments of Employment and Trade and Industry in respect of services and advice available to people who wish to start their own businesses; and if he will make a statement.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. The two Departments keep in touch on all matters affecting small firms. A special liaison officer was designated in 1971 in the Department of Employment as recommended in the Report of the Bolton Committee. Employment exchanges and offices will have details of services of the 10 small firm centres which the Department of Trade and Industry will open in the spring.

Mr. Redmond

In the light of what the Government have done to help existing small businesses by adopting and implementing the recommendations of the Bolton Report, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that there is adequate liaison between the new job centres of the Department of Employment and the new small firms centres of the Department of Trade and Industry to bring people interested in working for themselves to the places where they will receive the best advice and guidance in the early months of starting the new business?

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir. I think that will be the case when the centres are open in the spring. The Bolton Committee made 56 recommendations, nearly all of which have now been dealt with.

Mr. Skinner

On the question of small businesses as distinct from those that want to get into operation, can the Prime Minister tell us how many have gone bankrupt since the present Government were elected?

The Prime Minister

Not without notice, but if the hon. Gentleman puts down a Question to my right hon. Friend the Secertary of State for Trade and Industry, he will receive an answer.

Mr. Adley

Does my right hon. Friend agree that the small businesses are largely responsible for the remarkable fall in the unemployment figures announced today?

The Prime Minister

I have not seen the breakdown of the take-up of employment as between large, medium and small businesses. What I should have thought would be welcomed is the further big drop in unemployment.

Mr. Speaker

Question No. 25. Mr. Dormand.

Mr. Ashley

On a point of order—

Mr. Speaker

If it is a point of order about Questions, I should be grateful if the hon. Gentleman would raise it at the end of Question Time.