HC Deb 14 February 1978 vol 944 cc146-7W
Mr. Wakeham

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is satisfied that small businesses play as significant a part in the United Kingdom economy as in other Western industrial countries; whether he will publish any statistical evidence; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lever

The Report of the Bolton Committee of Inquiry on Small Firms tended to accept that small firms played a lesser role in this country than in some European countries but it emphasised the difficulty of making international comparisons in this field. The Government recognise that the small firms sector is of great importance and has introduced a number of measures that will assist it. Further measures were announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 26th October, and I am pressing ahead with my study of the problems facing small firms to see whether more can be done to help them.

Mr. Wakeham

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proportion of the gross national product is produced by small businesses of under 200 employees; and what is the equivalent proportion in the United States, West Germany, France and Japan.

Mr. Lever

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Wakeham

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proportion of the gross national product is produced by small businesses of under 10 employees; and what is the equivalent proportion in the United States, West Germany, France and Japan.

Mr. Lever

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Wakeham

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what proportion of the gross national product is produced by small businesses of under 100 employees; and what is the equivalent proportion in the United States, West Germany, France and Japan.

Mr. Lever

I regret that this information is not available.