§ 15 Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he has any plans further to assist small businesses in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Giles ShawI have recently announced an enhanced role for the local enterprise development unit, which already had extensive and flexible powers, to assist the establishment and development of small businesses in Northern Ireland. Under the terms of a new directive issued to the local enterprise development unit by the Department of Commerce last month, its remit has been extended to include assisting service sector projects. In addition, it will be empowered to maintain employment in small companies with good prospects of longer-term viability.
§ Mr. RossI welcome the Minister's statement about extending the powers of the local enterprise development unit, but does he not agree that the best hope of bringing down unemployment in Northern Ireland is in the small business sector, following the disasters in so much of the larger industry there? Is he prepared to consider helping small businesses in Northern Ireland with rate relief and loan guarantees?
§ Mr. ShawI accept that the development of small businesses can make a significant contribution to reducing unemployment, but I remind the hon. Gentleman that we must continue to try to bring to Northern Ireland substantial businesses also. With regard to his comment on rate relief and other assistance, the local enterprise development unit has some powers in that area, but I would prefer him to write to me if he has a specific case in mind.
§ Mr. FarrIs my hon. Friend aware that the keystone of small businesses in Northern Ireland is the small farmer? Is he further aware that at present the small farmer in Northern Ireland is in a parlous situation? Will be look into the matter and see what he can do to help?
§ Mr. ShawI am aware of the considerable difficulties that small farmers and other parts of the agriculture industry in Northern Ireland are currently suffering. Many meetings have been held with the farmers' union on this matter, and there will be further discussions with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State today.