§ Mr. Litterickasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will publish in the Official Report figures showing the value of direct Governnment financial assistance to small businesses during each of the last three complete years.
§ Mr. CryerRegional development grants and selective financial assistance are available under Parts I and II of the Industry Act 1972 to all firms, regardless of size in respect of premises and projects respectively, located in the assisted areas. The annual value of assistance is given in the Industry Act report published each year. I regret that information is not readily available on the proportion of assistance going to small firms.