§ Mr. LockTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) what assessment his Department has made of the continuing commercial viability of small and specialist shops in small and medium-sized towns; and if he will make a statement; [88614]
(2) what financial assistance is available from his Department to support small and specialist shops in (a) small and medium-sized towns and (b) Bewdley; and if he will make a statement. [88613]
§ Mr. Wills[holding answer 28 June 1999]: Small and specialist shops are crucial to the economic, environmental and social development of small and medium-sized towns. They provide employment, regenerate the economy of town centres and have an important role to play in providing a service to those living and working in urban areas, particularly the disadvantaged, or those who may be socially excluded.
The Urban White Paper published on 29 June will consider the effects of new technology on the retail sector and this is likely to include the role of small shops.
In addition several Single Regeneration Budget schemes have an impact, either directly or indirectly, on retail sectors within small and medium-sized towns in the West Midlands region. Other assistance available to small businesses throughout the region includes schemes in Staffordshire, Hertfordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire that offer a mix of business services and support.