Small Businesses (Chorley) (Hansard, 13 July 2000)

§ 5. Mr. Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley)
If he will make a statement on his Department's support for small businesses in Chorley. [128944]

§ The Minister for Small Business and E-Commerce (Ms Patricia Hewitt)
The national network of 81 business links is being replaced by 45 new business links. The existing partnership in north and west Lancashire, which serves Chorley, was successful in the first stage of assessment for the new network. The partnership has been invited to submit a business plan for the services it will deliver from April next year.

§ Mr. Hoyle
Although my hon. Friend's comments about the success of business link are very welcome, following Lord Haskins' report about the burden of red tape that is strangling small business, what can be done to reduce that red tape? We should also remember that Chorley is not an assisted area. Small businesses are doing well, and removing the red tape would give them an extra boost.

§ Ms Hewitt
The better regulation taskforce published an excellent report earlier this year, and I know that my hon. Friend will welcome the fact that in our response last month, with just one exception, we accepted all the taskforce's recommendations and are now putting them into practice. I would also stress that services and support are available to small businesses in Chorley and across the country, including the small firms loan guarantee scheme and technology grants such as Smart. I know that my hon. Friend will welcome the assistance that those programmes have given businesses in his constituency.

§ Mr. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)
The Minister will be aware—

§ Madam Speaker
Order. Is it on Chorley?

§ Mr. Fabricant
Yes, Madam Speaker. The Minister will be aware that Chorley is a veritable mecca for restaurants and hotels, which are often frequented by their Member of Parliament. Has she read the report of the better regulation taskforce which says that parental leave and the working time directive are crippling such small businesses? When will she do something about it?

§ Ms Hewitt
I note that since we were elected, there has been a substantial increase in employment not only in Chorley but in the hon. Gentleman's constituency too, and right across the country. The excellent report from the taskforce is being studied so that we can come forward with a practical response to its recommendations. However, the hon. Gentleman needs to reflect on whether he is proposing that small hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments should be exempted from employment 1053 laws, and from fire and hygiene safety regulations. Does he not care about how small firms treat their customers and workers?