§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the results of(a) his policies and (b) his Department in helping small businesses over the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring. [34701]
§ Mr. BowisThe Department recognises the important role that small firms play in supplying health care products, including goods and services, whether for use in this country or for export. The policies adopted by the Department in support of the health care industries favour all companies equally. The Department does not collect any statistics specifically about small companies. An equally important and increasing role is played by independent firms and organisations providing residential and respite care and domiciliary and day care services. Many, but not all, such firms are small and encouraged by Government policies.