§ 18. Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what measures he is taking to promote competitiveness. [36799]
The Deputy Prime MinisterThe wide range of measures we are taking to promote competitiveness are set out in the 1996 competitiveness White Paper published last month.
23. Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proposals he has to help small businesses improve their competitiveness; and if he will make a statement. [36804]
§ Mr. WillettsThe wide range of measures we are taking to help small firms are set out in the 1996 competitiveness White Paper. The benefits of our approach are clear. More than a million new businesses have been created since 1979, and our small businesses are more optimistic than their European counterparts: 70 per cent. of UK businesses expect to increase turnover this year, compared with less than half on the continent.
§ 28. Mr. DykesTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on his latest assessments of the impact of his competitiveness campaign. [36810]
The Deputy Prime MinisterI believe that our annual analysis of the UK's competitive position, through the competitiveness White Papers, is now widely accepted, and having an increasing impact on national performance. The 1996 White Paper, published last month, has been widely welcomed by business, including the Confederation of British Industry, the Engineering Employers Federation and the Institute of Directors.