§ 25. Mrs. LaingTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what action he is taking to encourage more small businesses to set up in Wales. [2618]
§ Mr. HainOur Manifesto for Wales identified a comprehensive package of measures in support of small firms. This includes action to encourage more new good quality enterprises, particularly high technology start ups which could help to revitalise parts of the Valleys and other disadvantaged areas. The TECs in Wales have also been set a target of assisting the unemployed to establish 1,500 new businesses in 1997–98. This total should be boosted by the New Deal package to help tackle youth and long-term unemployment.