§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement on his meetings on 13 June in Liverpool; and what specific steps he now proposes to take to help the small businesses there.
§ Mr. David MitchellMy right hon. Friend will pay his first official visit to Merseyside on 22 June. However, I spent a full day in Merseyside on my two-day visit to the North-West on 12 and 13 June, in which I listened to the views of industry, business and local government. In Merseyside my visits to successful small enterprises were very valuable.
There are no specific plans to assist small firms in the North-West in isolation, but along with small firms throughout the country they will benefit from the tax measures announced in the Budget. A major priority of the Government is to promote a flourishing small business sector through stimulating the economy and removing obstacles to growth.