§ 9. Mrs. Ann Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he is satisfied with the response to the small firms technical engineering scheme.
§ Mr. TrippierSmall manufacturing firms with up to 200 employees can receive free help and advice from the small firms technical inquiry service, which is funded by my Department. I am very satisfied with the growing demand for this service, which has assisted over 4,000 firms since it started in July 1982.
§ Mrs. WintertonWill my hon. Friend take this opportunity to remind the House of the benefits of the technical inquiry service? Has he any further plans to assist smaller businesses which would in due course enhance future employment prospects?
§ Mr. TrippierThe service provides up to five days' free consultancy advice in areas covered by materials, manufacturing methods, the use of computers, factory layout and production control. In the debate on small firms on 4 November I announced the measures that the Government intend to carry out.