§ Sir David MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many schemes his Department runs to provide help or finance for small firms; and if he will list them.
§ Mr. Allan StewartMy right hon. Friend's Department runs or supports seven schemes providing help or finance for small firms. These are:
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- Managing Into the 90s1
- Export Market Research Scheme1
- Regional Enterprise Grant for Investment
- Regional Enterprise Grant for Innovation
- Regional Office Technology Transfer Programme1
- Small Firms Merit Award For Research and Technology (SMART) 1
- Support for Products Under Research (SPUR) 1
- 1Administered by Scottish Office Industry Department but funded by DTI
In addition small firms also benefit from more generally available schemes run by my Department, including regional selective assistance and the full range of schemes operated by Scottish Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the local enterprise companies are also available to assist small firms development. Some of these are aimed specifically or primarily at small firms. The local enterprise companies and other agencies also have flexibility to develop their own schemes designed to meet the particular needs of enterprises, including small firms, in their area.