§ Mr. David NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations have been made to her over the past two years about the effect on tourism of financial difficulties facing small-scale riding stables. [20213]
§ Mr. SproatMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has received one, direct, letter about the importance of riding stables to tourism and the financial burdens such businesses face. My hon. Friend the Paymaster General
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Mrs. BottomleyThe information is in the following table:
has forwarded a further letter on this issue for reply by my Department. In addition, I have also received a number of oral representations on the subject.
The Government are very conscious of the needs of small businesses and the valuable contribution that they make to the economy. On 11 March, the Prime Minister announced a package of measures to help reduce burdens on small firms. My Department is also pursuing sponsorship initiatives which will assist small firms in the tourism industry in particular.