§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Paymaster General what he intends to do to seek to encourage the growth of co-operatives.
§ Mr. TrippierCo-operatives can benefit from a number of schemes introduced by the Government to help and encourage small businesses. In addition, the Co-operative Development Agency, which is sponsored by our Department, seeks to stimulate the growth of co-operatives by providing help and advice to co-operatives and to people wishing to set up such enterprises. The number of co-operatives has increased from less than 500 in 1982 to over 1,200 in 1985.