§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement about the small business development programme.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe small business development programme was launched on 22 October 1979 by the local enterprise development unit—LEDU—as an experimental initiative designed to attract and develop entrepreneurial talent. It is specifically aimed at those already in established employment in industry, administration and the professions, but who have ideas for new manufacturing projects and who might respond to LEDU's advice, training and financial support by setting up in business on their own account.
While it is much too early to attempt to assess the success of the scheme it is encouraging that LEDU has already received 160 inquiries.