HC Deb 13 February 1985 vol 73 cc211-2W
Mr. MacKenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many small firms were given assistance by the Scottish Economic Planning Department and others of his Departments in the course of the last 12 months to the latest convenient date; and how much money was involved;

(2) how many small firms in Scotland, falling within the Bolton committee definition, received regional development grants and other forms of financial assistance from his Department; and how much money was involved.

Mr. Younger

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

Mr. MacKenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many small firms were given financial assistance by the Scottish Development Agency in the course of the last 12 months to the latest convenient date; and how much money was involved.

Mr. Younger

The Scottish Development Agency small business division gave financial assistance amounting to £1,666,000 to 143 small firms in the year to 31 December 1984.

Mr. MacKenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many small firms were given financial assistance by the Highlands and Islands Development Board in the course of the last 12 months to the latest convenient date; and how much money was involved.

Mr. Younger

During the 12 months 1 January 1984 to 31 December 1984 the Highlands and Islands Development Board approved £18,555,000 of financial assistance to 1,310 small firms (each employing fewer than 200 people).

Mr. Mackenzie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many small firms, as defined by the Bolton committee, presently exist in Scotland;

(2) how many small firms, as defined by the Bolton committee, were set up in Scotland during the course of the last 12 months to the latest convenient date;

(3) how many firms, as defined by the Bolton committee, went out of business during the course of the last 12 months to the latest convenient date.

Mr. Younger

Comprehensive information on small firms is not available. However, information for Scotland and other regions of the United Kingdom on the stock of firms registered for value added tax, and changes in the stock by size of turnover, was published inBritish Business on 2 November 1984. A copy of the article has been placed in the library.