§ Mr. Bernie GrantTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what effect the harmonisation proposals under the Single European Act, due to be implemented by 1 January 1993 or thereafter, will have on black and minority ethnic enterprises in(a) hairdressing, (b) food imports and exports, (c) other import/export trades, (d) restaurants, (e) arts and crafts, (f) clothing manufacture and retailing, (g) books and periodicals, (h) videos and films and (i) music, entertainment and sports; what other major effects the proposals will have on black and minority ethnic people in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Redwood[holding answer 4 April 1990]: The effects of the single European market will be felt long before 1 January 1993. Indeed, many single market measures are already in force. It is not possible to tell what the effects of the single market will be on the detailed sectors mentioned: the outcome will depend on the dynamic reaction of individual businesses. However, the single market offers enormous opportunities to all British businesses. The Cecchini report, carried out for the European Commission, suggests optimistically that there will be a 4.5 per cent. boost to EC GDP. These opportunities are open to ethnic minorities enterprises as they are to all others. In addition, under the Home Office's ethnic minority business initiative, business advice centres are open in north, south and west London, Birmingham and Bristol, to offer advice to ethnic minority enterprises.