§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will consider establishing an independent inquiry into the operational difficulties of the self-employed with a view to making recommendations designed to increase the viability of this sector.
§ Mr. Clinton Davis:The Bolton Committee of Inquiry on Small Firms made a comprehensive report in 1971. Action has been taken on its recommendations. Special responsibility for this sector rests with my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Industry and any case for a further general inquiry should in the first instance be put to him.