§ Mrs. Rumboldasked the Secretary of State for Employment what measures his Department has taken to encourage the setting up of small businesses in the period since October 1983.
§ Mr. Alan ClarkSince October 1983, this Department(a) has extended the life and expanded the enterprise allowance scheme. To date the scheme has enabled over 50,000 unemployed people to set up their own businesses;
(b) is increasing the provision of small business and enterprise training to assist the expansion of small businesses and help those who wish to start up a new business. Over the 3 years from 1983 the number of places offered is due to rise from 3,000 to over 13,000;
(c) has continued its efforts to reduce the burdens on industry and, in common with other Departments, is participating in a broad scrutiny of legislation and administrative processes with the aim of relieving the business community of unnecessary restrictions and regulations.