HC Deb 26 February 1973 vol 851 cc1052-4
19. Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he will consider publishing the measures taken by the present Government which specifically help the small firm sector.

The Minister for Aerospace and Shipping (Mr. Michael Heseltine)

Certainly. We have already acted on the majority of the recommendations made by the Committee of Inquiry on Small Firms and we intend to publish an article in Trade and Industry summarising all the actions we have taken or have in hand. Of course full publicity was given after each decision was conveyed to the House.

Mr. Rost

I thank my hon. Friend for that welcome reply. Is he aware that the list of measures so far taken by the Government to help small businesses is already longer than the list of measures taken by the previous Government to hinder small businesses? Will he give an assurance that the latest and most welcome proposal to open regional information centres will receive the maximum publicity so that the services will be widely used? Can we have an assurance that one of the centres will be in the Nottingham—Derby area?

Mr. Heseltine

I will ensure that my hon. Friend's suggestion about the location of that office is well considered. However, he will understand the pleasure we have at seeing the lengthening list of the number of forms of assistance we have given to small firms.

Mr. English

As a junior Minister in the hon. Gentleman's Department invited the Lincoln Industrial Committee of the Lincoln Council to meet him on Tuesday, may I ask whether anyone in the Department has informed Jonathan Guinness that the meeting may not take place without telling the Lincoln Council?

Mr. Heseltine

I do not think that that is related to the question of small firms.

Mr. English

It is.

Mr. Benn

With great respect, the Minister agreed to see a delegation tomorrow, which I have been asked to attend, to discuss the situation in Lincoln. It now appears that for political reasons the deputation has been put off although the Minister has made no approach to me and, as I understand it, no approach to the local authority, although the date was fixed at the request of the Minister and the appointment to meet him was made before the writ was moved for the Lincoln by-election.

Mr. Heseltine

I find it extraordinary that the right hon. Gentleman should think that any approach to him is required in the matter.

Mr. Mason rose

—

Mr. Speaker

Order. We are getting well away from the Question.

Mr. Mason

Mr. Speaker—

Mr. Speaker

Has this to do with the Question?

Mr. Mason

Yes, Mr. Speaker. On the question of aid to small firms, the Lincoln Council's Industrial Committee made an approach to the Minister and to the Department to receive a deputation long before the writ was issued for the Lincoln by-election. He has conveyed the impression that it cannot take place until after the by-election and has sent a letter to the Tory candidate informing him of this. Does not that smack of party politics?

Mr. Heseltine

As it took so long to issue the writ, everything would have had to be done a long time before that.

Mr. English

On a point of order. An hon. Member on the Government side said "Let Dick Taverne lead them next week". As he wishes to cross the Floor, may he do so now?