HC Deb 06 March 1984 vol 55 c509W
Mr. Hill

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will assess the degree of success of the Government's programme of assistance to small firms.

Mr. Trippier

Schemes of assistance to small firms are carefully monitored and steps are taken to improve their effectiveness where this is shown to be necessary. There are a number of difficulties in assessing the effectiveness of many of the measures in the Government's programme, such as taxation measures and changes in legislation or procedures. I am encouraged by the large number of new businesses coming into being each year.