§ Mr. MichaelTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the impact of the recession on small businesses in Wales; and what new initiatives he has taken to help local authorities help Welsh companies.
§ Mr. David HuntThe number of VAT registered businesses in Wales increased by over 10 per cent. in the years 1988 to 1990—the latest year for which figures are available—to 8,250. Government policy to assist this sector is clearly working and the Welsh economy is strongly placed to respond to the economic upturn.