HC Deb 19 January 2000 vol 342 c480W
Mr. Crausby

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the Government will publish its response to the consultation document on the Small Business Service. [105978]

Ms Hewitt

I have today placed in the Library of both Houses a document which gives a summary of the replies to the consultation and sets out the Government's response.

We had an excellent response to the consultation to shape the remit of the Small Business Service. We received 700 replies from a wide range of individuals and organisations, including many small businesses. The vast majority warmly welcomed our proposals.

I look forward to the launch of the Small Business Service this April under its Chief Executive, David Irwin.