HC Deb 16 October 1995 vol 264 cc116-7W
Mr. David Shaw

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the achievements of(a) his policies and (b) his Department in helping small businesses over the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring. [34708]

Mr. Boswell

The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the UK economy. The Government continue to help smaller companies by keeping inflation and interest rates low and by reducing legislative and administrative and taxation burdens. They also provide direct assistance where appropriate.

The competitiveness White Paper, published in May 1995, outlines a programme of measures to assist the growth and competitiveness of the small firms sector.