§ Mr. David MartinTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what measures have been taken in each of the years since 1992–93, to help the creation and survival of small businesses. [34756]
§ Mr. EggarThe annual report "Small firms in Britain," produced by this Department, contains the information requested. A copy of the 1994 report is in the Library of the House. The 1995 report will be published shortly and a copy will be sent to all Members of Parliament.
§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the President of the Board of Trade 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. [34693]
§ Mr. Page"Helping Smaller Firms," published as a companion document to the new White Paper "Competitiveness—Forging Ahead" sets out in detail the progress that has been made since the publication of the 1219W 1994 competitiveness White Paper in helping small businesses. It also annouces a new package of support, aimed largely at smaller firms, and amounting to over £200 million over 4 years.
The DTI report "Small Firm in Britain 1995" due to be published shortly sets out current Government policy for small businesses and includes key statistical indicators. It will be distributed to all Members, as was the 1994 small firms report."