HC Deb 18 July 1995 vol 263 cc1047-8W
Mr. David Shaw

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the results of(a) his policies and (b) his Department in helping small businesses over the past 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. [34705]

Mr. Freeman

The Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the United Kingdom economy. We continue to help smaller companies by keeping inflation and interest rates low and by reducing legislative, administrative and taxation burdens. We provide direct assistance where appropriate. The competitiveness White Paper announced in May 1995 outlines a programme of measures to assist the growth and competitiveness of the small firms sector.

My Department plays a full role in the Government's policies to assist the development of small business in the United Kingdom.

During the last 12 months, we completed the first phase of the national technology foresight programme, which involved participation of businesses across all sectors of the economy. Fifteen sector reports were published between March and April this year and an overarching report was published on 22 May 1995.All the reports give valuable indicators to business as to long-range market opportunities for the UK and to the investments in science, engineering and technology which will help exploit those opportunities. The reports emphasise the value of partnerships between businesses large and small and the UK's scientists and engineers. The Office of Science and Technology, through the auspices of the research councils, has in place a number of initiatives aimed at building collaboration with, and facilitation and exploitation of, the results of research by industry in general, which includes small businesses.

My Department continues to support Government Departments and agencies in taking forward their competing for quality programmes. These include the market testing and contracting out of many activities employing between one and 20 people before tendering, thus offering opportunities for small firms to bid for work. The Government also publish a monthly bulletin, Government Opportunities (incorporating the Market Testing Bulletin), which details the opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

My Department has also been encouraging Government Departments and agencies to assist business, including small firms, through citizens charter initiatives such as the revised employers charter produced by the Contributions Agency and the charter standard statement and code of practice produced by Companies House.

The CCTA has been developing the CCTA Government information service on Internet to provide a simple electronic channel to provide a wide range of information from Government Departments. The service will open up the opportunity for the public sector to make information both on support to industry and procurement opportunities easily accessible to small businesses.

The CCTA has also been exploring the use of electronic commerce to make it easier for all businesses to get access to procurement notices and to supply. to government.

The nature of the products and services purchased by HMSO are such that many contracts are suitable for small businesses. Although there is no specific monitoring, it is estimated that more than 60 per cent. of HMSO contracts are awarded to small businesses.

The Occupational Health and Safety Agency, through its network of regional offices, uses small businesses wherever possible to provide supplies and services, particularly in the area of maintenance. Further, through market testing, opportunities are offered to small firms to compete for work such as blood test analysis, internal audit services and marketing and publicity.

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