§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the achievements of(a) his policies and (b) his Department in helping small businesses over the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring; and if he will set out his targets to help small businesses in the next year.
§ Mr. Tim SmithAssistance towards small firms in Northern Ireland is delivered for the Department of Economic Development by its agency the Local Enterprise Development Unit.
LEDU's strategy forms an integral part of the Government's approach to encourage competitiveness and growth among small business. LEDU had a successful year in 1993–94 and I am encouraged that it has continued to build upon its record-breaking performance in 1992–93. The turnover among LEDU client companies increased by 9.5 per cent. in 1993–94 and employment increased by 4.7 per cent.
Key results for the past two years and similar key targets for next year are as follows:
Performance indicators 1992–93 results 1993–94 results 1994–95 targets Business start training (nos) 3,716 3,979 3,000 Small business accommodation 22,000 sq m 10,501 sq m 8,200 sq m Growth implementing contracts signed 147 141 152 Contracts to companies engaged in projects to overcome barriers to growth 447 795 760