§ Q3. Mr. Redmondasked the Prime Minister if he will invite a representative of the Small Businesses Association to join his future discussions with the Confederation of British Industry.
§ The Prime MinisterThese discussions are concerned with economic policy issues affecting industry as a whole, and it has not been necessary to bring in representatives of particular sectors of industry. But my right hon. Friends and I are very willing to consider representations from the Smaller Businesses Association.
§ Mr. RedmondI thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he accept that the 1¼ million small firms in this country, which employ one-third of the country's work force, are of tremendous importance to the national economy? Does my right hon. Friend also accept that the small firms are extremely grateful that the Government have accepted all but five of the Bolton Committee's recommendations? Will he carry on with the good work?
§ The Prime MinisterThe fact that we have already taken decisions on 25 of the recommendations of the Bolton Committee and agreed with 23 of them is sufficient demonstration of the importance we attach to the small firm.