§ Mr. Redmondasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small firms' information centres have now been established; where they are located; how many small firms have sought their assistance or advice regarding shortages or absence of essential raw materials; and what assistance the centres have been able to give in this respect.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantSmall firms' information centres have been opened in Birmingham, Luton and Newcastle. The Cardiff centre will be officially opened on 18th December 1973. The service is also being offered from temporary accommodation in the Department's regional offices in Bristol, Glasgow, London, Leeds, Manchester and Nottingham. Statistics are not available on the number of inquiries received relating to shortages or absences of raw materials, but all such inquiries have been referred to likely sources of supply or organisations with specialised knowledge of available supplies.
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