§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many times since 1 January 1998 officials from his Department have visited the United States to gather information to help set up his Department's Small Business Service; on what dates his officials visited the US on each occasion; and which US organisations his officials visited on each occasion. [93957]
§ Ms HewittOfficials from my Department with a responsibility for small firms issues visited the United States in October 1998 and February 1999. Both visits had a broad agenda, but included meetings with the Small Business Administration and a number of other organisations which are engaged with the SBA in delivering business support for small firms. In addition, officials have met with colleagues from the SBA in the United Kingdom in November 1998 and July 1999.