HC Deb 29 May 1968 vol 765 cc219-20W
64. Mr. Moonman

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will indicate the estimated annual cost of the scheme recently announced to provide subsidies for the employment of specialist advisers in small firms.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

We hope to make a detailed announcement about this scheme next month and my right hon. Friend will then seek Parliament's approval to the expenditure envisaged.

Mr. Moonman

asked the President of the Board of Trade what consultations have taken place with representatives of small firms, industrial consultants and the trade unions in the setting up of the scheme to provide assistance for the employment of specialist advisers in small firms.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

My Department has consulted the T.U.C., the C.B.I., the British Institute of Management and the main organisations representing consultants.

Mr. Moonman

asked the President of the Board of Trade what are the annual individual estimated budgets for the scheme recently announced to provide assistance to small firms under the headings of marketing, management development, design, quality control, and production methods; and whether the budgets are transferable to cover greater needs which may arise in one function rather than another.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

I am aiming at the maximum flexibility on this point. There will be no set budgets for particular headings.