§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what action he is taking, or proposes to take, to assist small and medium sized businesses in Cheshire, particularly in the area covered by the Macclesfield constituency, in view of their employment of large numbers of people in an area of rising unemployment.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieAll businesses engaged on qualifying activities in those parts of Cheshire falling within the Merseyside special development area are eligible for the full range of Government incentives that are available to safeguard existing, and to provide new, employment. Many of these incentives are available also to firms engaged on qualifying activities in the North West Region Intermediate area, of which Macclesfield forms a part, and firms in both areas are able to use the free training services provided by the Manpower Services Commission. In addition, firms throughout Cheshire, as in the rest of the country, may be eligible also for assistance under the temporary employment subsidy scheme if faced with impending redundancy, and will be able to benefit from the subsidy scheme, effective from today, 13th October, for encouraging employment of school leavers. Small businesses can also call on the regional Small Firms Information Centre in Manchester to help them to find sources of advice and assistance on any business problems.