Small Businesses (Hansard, 26 May 1988)

§ 9. Mr. Bellingham
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what further steps he plans to take to encourage small businesses.

§ Mr. Viggers
The Government continue to encourage the development of the Provinces's small business sector through a range of financial, advisory and training measures, which is unique to Northern Ireland. Government support to the Local Enterprise Development Unit was increased by £4.25 million in the past two years and I am pleased to tell my hon. Friend that the unit has recently published its annual results, which show a record level of job promotions.

§ Mr. Bellingham
Does my hon. Friend agree that while some of the larger firms in Northern Ireland depend increasingly on single big orders, it is more important than ever to encourage the small firms sector, which is probably the only way of solving the unemployment problem in areas such as west Belfast and Bogside? What steps has he taken to increase international awareness of the need to encourage small firms in the Province?

§ Mr. Viggers
We have devoted a great deal of effort to encouraging smaller business with a wide range of programmes. I am delighted to say that the success of Northern Ireland in this sector has been recognised by the decision of the European Community to hold the first ever enterprise convention in Northern Ireland. About 300 delegates from 20 countries have expressed an interest in the conference in September-October already, and we hope that more will follow their example.

§ Mr. Clifford Forsythe
Is the Minister aware of the seeming inconsistency of the Local Enterprise Development Unit when it allocates grants? Some firms that seem to be good applicants are turned down, and other firms that should, perhaps, be refused grants are given not only one grant but other grants. Will the Minister please examine the matter and rectify it?

§ Mr. Viggers
The Local Enterprise Development Unit is independent and responsible for its own decisions. Any question relating to the acceptance or refusal of grants should initially be addressed to the chairman of LEDU, as it is called. However, if the hon. Gentleman has a particular case in mind, perhaps he will draw it to my attention.