§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the grants available to small businesses preparing for the single European market of 1992.
§ Mr. LangAn extensive range of assistance is available to firms in Scotland to help them meet the challenge of the single market. The enterprise initiative assists companies to improve their competitiveness by developing skills in six key areas of managment practice. Substantial help is available to assist firms break into export markets or to develop their existing overseas business, and regional enterprise grants for innovation and investment have been designed specifically for small firms with fewer than 25 employees. In addition, a range of assistance is available to small businesses from the Scottish development agency.
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken in the past 12 months to prepare Scottish businesses for the single European market of 1992.
§ Mr. LangIn addition to the Government's "Europe Open for Business" campaign which covers the whole of the United Kingdom, my Department is working closely with the Scottish development agency, enterprise trusts,650W chambers of commerce, and other organisations in Scotland, and both Ministers and officials have taken part in an extensive series of seminars and business meetings held throughout Scotland. My right hon. and learned Friend has also established the single market committee of the Scottish Economic Council to examine the impact of the single market on the economy of Scotland and to submit proposals to encourage those concerned to prepare for it. Our aim is to ensure that every sector of industry and commerce in Scotland is fully prepared for the challenges and opportunities which the single market will present.