Out-of-town Supermarkets

HC Deb 21 January 1997 vol 288 cc572-3W

Mr. Harvey

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment he has made of the impact on small,independent traders of the increase in the number of out-of-town supermarkets. [11957]

Mr. Page

The number of small retailers has declined in recent years, with some of this reduction being the result of the increase in out-of-town shopping facilities.

However, the Government have taken steps to assist small retailers in many ways, including through tougher retail planning policy guidelines, help with inner-city regeneration and security such as closed circuit television, and the general measures of deregulation and support for small firms. Many small retailers have also shown that they are able to compete and succeed in competition with bigger retailers.