§ 20. Mrs. LawrenceTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he has met the First Secretary of the National Assembly for Wales to discuss the impact on small and medium-sized enterprises in Wales of the Chancellor of the Exchequer's pre-Budget Statement and the Government's legislative programme. [103508]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI regularly meet the First Secretary to discuss a variety of issues including SMEs. The First Secretary, the Government and I recognise the importance of SMEs to the Welsh economy and the UK as a whole. The Chancellor of the Exchequer's pre-Budget Statement unveiled plans for £45 million of enterprise grants to foster the growth of SMEs throughout the UK and represents the Government's continuing commitment to stimulate an already established enterprise culture.
§ 21. Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the First Secretary about United Kingdom assistance to small and medium-sized businesses. [103509]
§ Mr. Paul MurphyI meet the First Secretary regularly and discuss a variety of issues, including assistance to small and medium-sized businesses. Measures giving assistance to small and medium-size businesses were announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer's last pre-budget statement. The introduction of funds for the UK is expected to be worth at least £125 million. These funds will provide welcome but necessary development and support to new and already established ventures.