Small Businesses (Hansard, 12 January 1994)

§ 27. Mr. Milligan
To ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on measures he plans to assist small businesses.

§ Mr. McLoughlin
The Government will continue to encourage small businesses by fostering a stable economic climate at home and by encouraging and promoting competition in world markets. Both directly and through the training and enterprise councils and local enterprise companies, the Government will continue to make available a wide range of high-quality support and assistance which will be further enhanced by the development of a national network of business links.

38. Mr. William O'Brien
To ask the President of the Board of Trade when he last met representatives of small businesses to discuss their future; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. McLoughlin
My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade met representatives of the Institute of Directors when he spoke at their annual dinner on 23 November 1993.
My noble Friend the Minister with responsibility for small firms has regular meetings with all the major small firms organisations to discuss a range of issues.