§ Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if he will make a statement on the presentation of Government policy relating to small businesses. [1320]
§ Mr. PageMy Department makes every effort to present its small firms policy as widely as possible. For example, its annual report, "Small Firms in Britain", sets out current Government policy for small businesses and includes key statistical indicators. This publication is widely disseminated and a copy is sent to every member.
We have also established a small business Ministers' group with representation across 17 Whitehall Departments. The group is playing a key role in promoting small firms policy within all areas of Government.
The Government's response to the "Your Business Matters" consultation, completed earlier this year, provided an excellent opportunity to set out the framework for small firms policy. In addition to responding directly to the 84 key issues raised by "Your Business Matters" delegates, the Government also outlined 30 measures aimed at helping small businesses to prosper and grow. A copy of "Your Business Matters—Government Response", has been placed in the Library of the House.