§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the impact of Government policies upon small businesses in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [15236]
§ Mr. PageThe Government are fully committed to supporting the small firms sector and recognise the key role that it plays in the economy.
233WAfter reductions in the number of businesses in the early 1990s, there was a net increase in the number of businesses operating in England and Wales in both 1994 and 1995. Policy for small firms focuses mainly on providing a favourable economic climate—based on low inflation and stable interest rates in which enterprises can flourish. The Government are also concentrating on reducing administrative and regulatory burdens thereby enabling businesses to get on, unimpeded, with running their businesses.
The Government also provide direct assistance to small firms.
The establishment of the business link network now provides a single point of access to a wide range of information and services to small and medium-sized firms in England. Early indicators are that firms welcome these services and are impressed by the quality of provision.
In shaping their policy the Government are listening to the voice of small firms through the regional "Your Business Matters" conference and will take careful account of the report to be presented at a national conference on 11 March.
The small business ministerial group will have a significant effect on small firms by providing a forum for developing co-ordinated and cohesive policy across Whitehall Departments.