§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action his Department is taking to achieve its key priority for 2000–01 of promoting a culture of enterprise in the European Union. [125912]
§ Mr. CabornThe Department's actions include
pressing for the early adoption of a European Charter for Small Firms setting out key principles for promoting enterprise and pledging the Commission and Member States to action;working closely with the Commission in drawing up a Multiannual Programme for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship for 2001–05 which seeks to develop a programme of actions to make Europe more entrepreneurial and innovative; andgiving support to the Spirit of Enterprise, a European Union-wide awards scheme whose aim is to promote entrepreneurship among young people.
§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the National Campaign for Enterprise. [125914]
§ Mr. ByersThe national campaign for enterprise—called Enterprise Insight—was launched by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 11 May. The campaign, supported by my Department, is informing young people about the challenges and rewards of starting their own business, developing entrepreneurial skills and encouraging the establishment and growth of successful businesses. Existing entrepreneurs and business people have a key part to play in the campaign. Already, 200 have signed up to participate in a range of activities to encourage enterprise in their communities.