§ Mr. David ShawTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the impact of(a) his policies and (b) the work of his Department in helping small businesses in the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors the impact and the statistical results of such monitoring. [39152]
Mr. ShawTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the impact of(a) his policies and (b) the work of his Department in helping small businesses in the last 12 months as against the previous 12 months; and if he will publish the performance indicators by which his Department monitors the impact and the statistical results of such monitoring. [39154]
The Deputy Prime MinisterThe Government recognise the crucial role played by small firms in the United Kingdom economy and aim to help them by providing sound economic conditions—keeping inflation and interest rates low; reducing legislative administration and taxation burdens; and where appropriate provide direct assistance in the form of specialist advice and support and easing access to finance.
The Office of Public Service is responsible for taking forward the competitiveness agenda across Government, promoting deregulation and promoting best practice in all aspects of the Government's relationship with the private sector. Helping small business is a key part of these activities. The third competitiveness White Paper, "Creating the enterprise centre of Europe", provides a summary of these activities. A copy of the document is available in the House of Commons Library.