HC Deb 30 January 1985 vol 72 c207W
15. Mr. Hargreaves

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has any plans to expand the small firm service.

Mr. Trippier

I have no plans for further expansion at present. The service has expanded substantially in recent years, from 58 staff in 1981 to 94 last year. Over the same period we have more than doubled the number of counsellors from 127 to 261.

25. Mr. Cash

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many business counsellors are under contract to the small firms service.

Mr. Trippier

At 31 December 1984 there was 261 business counsellors under contract to the Department of Trade and Industry, a further 49 with the Scottish Development Agency and 44 with the Welsh Development Agency.