Worker Co-operatives

HC Deb 21 July 1987 vol 120 c160W

50. Mr. Michael

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what responsibility he has for encouraging the development of worker co-operatives.

Mr. Cope

My Department sponsors the National Cooperative Development Agency which, amongst its responsibilities, seeks to encourage the growth of the cooperative sector by providing help and advice to existing co-operatives and to people wishing to set up such enterprises. Co-operatives may also benefit from my Department's wide range of policies to encourage the growth of small firms. The number of co-operatives has increased from 300 in 1980 to more than 1,500 at present.

78. Mr. Turner

asked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will state his Department's current policy on work co-operatives.

Mr. Cope

Worker co-operatives can be wealth-creating enterprises which contribute to the economy and create jobs. Co-operatives are therefore entitled to Government assistance on the same basis as forms of business, provided they meet the necessary criteria. In addition, the Government seek to encourage the growth of cooperatives through the sponsorship of the National Cooperative Development Agency.