HC Deb 18 June 1980 vol 986 cc571-2W
Mr. Ray Powell

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the principal agencies and schemes operating in Wales to encourage the development of small businesses.

Mr. Nicholas Edwards

The Government Departments and agencies operating schemes in Wales to encourage the development of small businesses include

  1. 1. The Welsh Office Industry Department offering, under section 7 of the Industry Act, selective financial assistance and exchange risk cover for loans from the European Investment Bank and the European Coal and Steel Community, as well as services to exporters, and information to small firms generally through its small firms information centre.
  2. 2. The Welsh Development Agency and its small business unit offering factories, various financial facilities and comprehensive advisory services, including a counselling service.
  3. 3. The Development Board for Rural Wales offering similar services in its area.

Other Government Departments and agencies provide services and facilities to small businesses, and local authorities, BSC (Industry), chambers of commerce, chambers of trade and various other organisations are also active in this field.