§ 15. Mr. RobathanTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received regarding the impact of the foot and mouth outbreak on rural businesses. [159075]
§ Ms HewittMy Ministerial colleagues and I have to date received 320 pieces of correspondence about the foot and mouth outbreak, nearly all of them relating to the impact on rural businesses. Apart from that correspondence, I have had no specific representations from business but the issue has been raised with me in the context of other meetings.
I recently addressed members of the Federation of Small Businesses at their conference in Plymouth and met affected businesses there.
769WIn addition, David Irwin, the Chief Executive of the Small Business Service, recently met a number of small businesses in Cumbria affected by the outbreak.
§ 26. Mr. CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the role played by the Small Business Service during the current foot and mouth outbreak. [159089]
§ Ms HewittThe Small Business Service is playing an active role—directly—and via the Business Link network, in supporting small businesses during the crisis. SBS has set up a Rural Helpline and recently produced an information leaflet to ensure that small businesses are fully aware of the package of help available. Over 1.5 million leaflets are being distributed via, for example banks and rural post offices.
SBS has also made provision for Tourist and retail business suffering financial problems due to the effects of the disease. Such businesses are now eligible to apply for loans of up to £250,000 as a result of the SBS' extension to their Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme.