§ Mr. Nichollsasked the Prime Minister, if she will list the actions taken by the Government since 1979 which were designed to, or had the effect of, assisting small businesses.
§ The Prime MinisterMeasures introduced since 1979 include the business expansion scheme, which increases the supply of finance for investment in unquoted companies, the loan guarantee scheme and the enterprise allowance scheme, which assists unemployed people to start up their own business. In the improved climate for business there has been an increase generally in the sources of finance for small firms.
Business training is an important element in the Government's support for small firms. Through the training for enterprise programme, the Manpower Services Commission provides a range of courses to assist those starting or wishing to develop businesses. Expenditure on this will increase from approximately £14 million in 1985–86 to £20 million in 1986–87.
Since 1979 there has been a substantial increase in the number of agencies that are able to offer business advice. The Government have greatly expanded its advice and counselling to small firms through the small firms service. It has also encouraged the development of local enterprise agencies, which now number more than 300, and will be stepping up its financial support to agencies in the next financial year.