§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if she will make a statement on the achievements of(a) her policies and (b) her Department in helping small businesses over the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if she will publish the performance indicators by which her Department monitors those achievements and the statistical results of such monitoring. [34698]
§ Mr. SproatThe Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the United Kingdom economy. Government continue to help smaller companies by keeping inflation and interest rates low and by reducing legislative and administrative and taxation burdens. They also provide direct assistance where appropriate. The White Paper, "Competitiveness—Forging Ahead" Cm 2867 published in May 1995 outlines a programme of measures the Government are taking to assist the growth and competitiveness of the small firms sector.
My Department has a particular interest in two sectors of the economy in which small firms play a substantial role. These are television and audio-visual media production and tourism. The Secretary of State established 1462W a broadcasting and audio-visual sponsorship division in my Department in April 1995, to work in partnership with the firms in the sector, as detailed in my right hon. Friend's answer to the Member for Macclesfield (Mr. Winterton) on 19 June, Official Report, column 47.
Discussions with other Government Departments to reduce the burden of regulations affecting the tourism industry have continued since last year. In particular, my Department has had a major input to the Department of Transport's review of sign posting regulations, opening eligibility to a wider range of tourism businesses, including smaller establishments. As part of our strategy to assist the industry in improving competitiveness, set out in "Tourism; Competing with the Best", we have launched a "benchmarking" initiative for the small hotel sector. A sample of some 80 hotels with between 10 and 50 bedrooms will participate in an exercise to establish "benchmarks". The results will be published so that hoteliers can compare their performance with others, particularly the excellent performers. Guidance will be published to help them to understand what they need to do to improve the quality of their product and their own profitability.
The national lottery, which began in November 1994, has also benefited many small business; in particular the thousands of small retailers who sell tickets, and businesses offering ancillary services to the lottery operators.
My Department intends to continue its work to reduce legislation and administrative burdens on business, and to improve its links and consultation arrangements with businesses operating within the areas where I have a policy interest.