§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for industry what action he has taken over the last three months to assist small businesses.
§ Mr. CryerIn the course of the last three months, the Government have announced changes in, and additions to, most of the sectoral schemes currently in operation under section 8 of the Industry Act 1972. They now contain special provisions for assistance to small firms towards the costs of consultancy studies. Both the Red Meat Slaughtering Industry Scheme—announced on 9th November 1976—and the Wool Textile Industry 431W (Phase II) Scheme—announced on 29th November 1976—contain such provisions. In addition, under the Red Meat Slaughtering Industry Scheme assistance is available to small companies towards rationalisation projects.
Modifications to the Clothing Industry Scheme which were announced on 7th December 1976 included a reduction in the minimum size for investment projects from £30,000 to £10,000 and removal of the £5,000 limit on consultancy assistance.
A pilot counselling scheme for small firms was also inaugurated in the South West Region, which, subject to our experience, we shall extend in due course to the rest of the country. In addition the Small Firms Information Service has been extended by the opening of a new sub-centre in Liverpool to serve small businesses in the area.