HC Deb 13 February 1985 vol 73 cc178-9W
Mr. MacKenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many small firms, by Bolton committee definition, presently exist in each region of the United Kingdom;

(2) how many small firms, by Bolton committee definition, went out of business in each region of the United Kingdom during the course of the last 12 months;

(3) how many small firms, by Bolton committee definition, were set up in each region of the United Kingdom during the course of the last 12 months to the latest convenient date.

Mr. Trippier

The information available by region for the years 1980 to 1983 was published inBritish Business, 2 November 1984, page 352. Later estimates by counties within regions for the same years were published in British Business on 18 January 1985. Copies of the articles were placed in the Library. Estimates for 1984 are not yet available.

Mr. MacKenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish in the Official Report the full list of Government schemes which exist to assist small firms; when each scheme was started; and when it is due to finish.

Mr. Trippier

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley (Mr. Foulkes) on 22 January at col367. Only a small number of schemes are launched with a specific closing date. One such scheme was the small engineering firms investment scheme introduced by this Department on 30 March 1982. Demand was so great that the closing date for the scheme had to be brought forward to 28 May 1982. A second such scheme was introduced on 28 March 1983 and closed on 30 September 1983. The loan guarantee scheme for small firms was introduced on a pilot basis on 1 June 1981 for three years. It was initially extended for a further period until 31 December 1984, and has subsequently been extended for a further year until 31 December 1985. On 26 November 1984 my Department launched a £100 million programme of support from the European regional development fund and the United Kingdom Government to provide aids for small firms in United Kingdom areas affected by the decline of the steel, shipbuilding and textile industries. Depending upon take up of funds, applications will be accepted up to 31 December 1988.

Mr. MacKenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many small firms, by Bolton committee definition, he has assisted by regional development grant, selective financial assistance or any other financial assistance in the course of the last 12 months to the latest convenient date; and how much money was involved in each region of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Trippier

I shall reply to the right hon. Member as soon as possible.