HC Deb 29 October 1998 vol 318 c289W
Dr. George Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what priorities he has identified for his Department in respect of assistance for small and medium businesses. [55083]

Mrs. Roche

The Government's single most important priority is to create and sustain a sound economic framework in which small firms can develop and grow.

Specific priorities are to address barriers to SMEs, such as obtaining finance, inappropriate regulatory burdens and accessing business support.