§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the estimate for public sector assistance in 1984–85 for schemes designed to help new business start-ups in Bolton.
§ Mr. TrippierSmall Firms in Bolton can benefit from a range of assistance to help them set up and expand, under national schemes such as the business expansion scheme, the loan guarantee scheme and the enterprise allowance scheme. Bolton is also eligible for regional selective assistance, as an intermediate area, and for support under the business improvement services package which I launched last November. There are no separate figures available for potential take up in Bolton. My Department's small firms service can also offer advice and counselling to people interested in setting up small businesses.