HC Deb 22 June 1999 vol 333 cc315-6W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the progress made to establish the Small Business Service. [87797]

Mr. Wills

The Government announced plans to set up the Small Business Service in the Budget statement. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry reinforced this in his Post-Budget statement to the House on 10 March 1999,Official Report, columns 367–79.

We will be publishing a consultation document in the near future on the specific role and functions of the Small Business Service. I will be pleased to hear the views of all interested parties.