§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will make a statement on what is currently being done to encourage people to be self-employed; and what further changes he will make.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe business start-up scheme encourages unemployed people to set up their own new businesses. It offers a weekly allowance together with business training and counselling. Nearly 700,000 people have entered the scheme to date. The budget for the scheme has been transferred to the Department of Environment's single regeneration budget, one of the aims of which is the encouragement of sustainable economic growth and wealth creation by improving the competitiveness of the local economy, including business support.
The Department supports the Prince's Youth Business Trust in making funds available to disadvantaged young people to set up their own businesses. We have recently agreed additional funding to help the trust in its aim of doubling the number of young people it supports.
My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade is developing a network of business links, which will provide world class support to business—including those who are contemplating starting a new business.