§ Sir David MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment how many schemes his Department runs to provide help or finance for small firms; and if he will list them.
§ Mr. Heseltine[holding answer 18 December 1991]: The only scheme my Department runs to provide help specifically for small firms is the preferential treatment they receive under the non-domestic rating transitional arrangements. However, small firms may also receive help under the following schemes:
- Environmental technology innovation scheme
- Urban programme
- Inner urban areas Act grants
- City action team special budgets.
In addition, schemes operated by bodies sponsored by my Department also help small firms. The following schemes, all operated by the Rural Development Commission, are targeted on small businesses:
- Business advice
- Loans fund
- Marketing initiatives
- Support for training.
Small firms may also benefit from these other schemes run by sponsored bodies although they are not specifically aimed at them:
- Rural Development Commission schemes for fully funded small workshop unit construction;
- partnerships with local authorities to construct small workshop units;
- redundant building grants;
- rural transport development fund;
- English Heritage repair grants for listed buildings.
The Rural Development Commission also provides support for local enterprise agencies which in turn help small businesses.