Small Business Service

HC Deb 06 December 1999 vol 340 cc360-1W

Mr. Chope

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry by how much the resources of the Small Business Service will be reduced as a result of his decision not to establish a payroll service as an integral part of the Small Business Service. [100739]

Ms Hewitt

The level of resources for the Small Business Service will be considered over the next few months.

Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will publish the advice given to the Small Businesses Service on how to enhance co-operative forms and businesses and small enterprise. [101070]

Ms Hewitt

[holding answer 2 December 1999]: There is no separate advice specifically for co-operatives. The Small Business Service, through the network of Business Link franchises, will provide advice and business support services to help all types of small and medium-sized enterprises.