§ Brian CotterTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what new powers, responsibilities and resources the Small Business Council has been given in their recently extended remit to lessen the impact of regulations on small businesses. [76838]
§ Nigel GriffithsWilliam Sargent's role, as Chairman of the Small Business Council, has been enhanced to provide an "independent voice for small firms". He attends the Ministerial Panel on regulatory accountability and has access to my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister to discuss small firms matters. The resources available to the Small Business Council have increased allowing for 12 officials to support the council in its work to provide advice about the needs of small businesses.