HC Deb 13 December 1976 vol 922 c531W
38. Mr. Litterick

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he is satisfied with the level of Government assistance to small businesses; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Cryer

Eligibility for most forms of Government assistance is unrelated to business size, though some forms of assistance are specifically provided for small businesses. I am satisfied that the existing arrangements for assistance take full account of the needs of small businesses. Any change in those arrangements, which are kept under continuous review, will, of course, be notified to the House in the normal way, and such alterations have been made, for example, to the Machine Tool Scheme and the Clothing Scheme.