HC Deb 08 May 2002 vol 385 cc170-1W
20. Mrs. Lawrence

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Treasury about fiscal measures to assist small businesses in Wales. [53165]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I meet regularly with Cabinet colleagues, including the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to discuss a wide range of issues, including small businesses.

The Chancellor's recent Budget announcement included a number of fiscal measures to support small businesses at every stage. These include simplification of VAT for small businesses by increasing the VAT registration threshold, extending optional flat rate scheme and further reforms of the VAT annual accounting scheme.

Chris Ruane

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Treasury about measures to assist small businesses in Wales. [53144]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I meet regularly with Cabinet colleagues, including the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to discuss a wide range of issues, including small businesses.

The Chancellor's recent Budget announcement included a number of fiscal measures to support small businesses at every stage. These include a reduction in the corporation tax starting rate from 10 per cent. to zero, helping small businesses throughout the UK and Wales to continue to flourish and prosper.

Mrs. Betty Williams

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer about measures to assist small businesses in Wales. [53163]

Mr. Paul Murphy

I meet regularly with Cabinet colleagues, including the Chancellor of the Exchequer, to discuss a wide range of issues, including small businesses.

The Chancellor's recent Budget announcement included a number of fiscal measures to support small businesses at every stage. These include Research and Development tax credit, benefiting 50 large firms in Wales.