§ Mrs. GillanTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will list(a) the Ministers responsible for small businesses in each Government Department and the dates of their appointment, (b) the dates on which they have met and (c) the dates on which they are expected to meet during the next 12 months. [13522]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 30 October 1997]: Firms employing fewer than 50 people contribute 99 per cent. of all UK businesses. All Government Ministers, therefore, have a responsibility to consider the impact on small firms of the policy and regulatory decisions made by their Department. As Minister with responsibility for small business, I deal directly with Ministers in a number of Government Departments on specific issues that are of particular concern to smaller firms.
The Access Business Ministerial Group, of which I am a member, is chaired by the Parliamentary Secretary of the Office of Public Service. This Group ensures that regulatory practise and advice and information, from both central and local government is as transparent, accessible and helpful as possible.
42WA Parliamentary Debate on small firms in Spring 1998 will provide an opportunity for all members to contribute their views on the role and importance of small businesses to the economy of the UK.