§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what the priorities are for the Small Business Service in the coming year. [10161]
§ Nigel Griffiths[holding answer 29 October 2001]: The Small Business Service's strategic objectives for 2001–04 are set out in its strategy for 2001–04. They are to:
Be a strong voice for small business at the heart of government, ensuring that government is aware of the needs of Business;Strive for a regulatory framework which minimises the burdens of business;Develop and maintain a world class business support service to enhance competitiveness and profitability of small businesses;Champion entrepreneurship across society particularly in under-represented and disadvantaged groups.Priorities for 2002–03 are currently being developed and will be published in the SBS Business Plan next year. SBS's operational targets for 2002–13 will be announced in the House.
The SBS Strategy and the SBS Business Plan for 2001–02 are available on www.sbs.gov.uk.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much funding has been made available to companies by the Small Business Service. [10091]
§ Nigel GriffithsFrom April 2000, when it was set up, until September this year the Small Business Service programme expenditure amounted to £365 million. Of this, expenditure under the Phoenix Fund, the Enterprise Fund and the Smart scheme, whereby grants may be made directly to small businesses, amounted to £96 million.