§ 19. Mr. MichaelTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to encourage small and new businesses in Cardiff and in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. LeighThe Government will continue to encourage small and new businesses in the United Kingdom by fostering the right economic climate and by providing both directly and through TECs and LECs a wide range of programmes of support and assistance. These policies helped some 400,000 new firms to start last year.
Recent important developments include our plans to establish a network of one-stop shops for businesses in England and changes to the loan guarantee scheme to improve its operation.
Detailed arrangements for encouraging small businesses in Cardiff are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.