§ Mr. Hillasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will assess the degree of success of the Government's programme of assistance to small firms.
§ Mr. TrippierSchemes of assistance to small firms are carefully monitored and steps are taken to improve their effectiveness where this is shown to be necessary. There are a number of difficulties in assessing the effectiveness of many of the measures in the Government's programme, such as taxation measures and changes in legislation or procedures. I am encouraged by the large number of new businesses coming into being each year.