HC Deb 04 February 1980 vol 978 c20W
Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Employment why the number of people covered by the small firms employment subsidy in Scotland dropped from 12,400 at the end of November 1979 to 6,500 at the end of December 1979; and what further measures he has in mind to encourage employment in small firms.

Mr. Jim Lester

The December figure shows a decrease on the previous month due to a combination of the effects of the changes made to the small firms employment subsidy scheme in July 1979 and delayed claims over the Christmas period.

All special employment measures are currently being reviewed. My right hon. Friend hopes to make an announcement about the future of the small firms employment subsidy scheme and other measures very shortly.