§ Brian CotterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department uses a database of individual small businesses for consultation purposes. [142479]
§ Ruth KellyHM Treasury uses a variety of methods to engage small businesses in consultation exercises. As well as being available on the department's website and through its public enquiries unit all consultation documents are also often circulated alongside the Budget and Pre-Budget Reports. Where appropriate, the department has used 'roadshows' or visits around the UK to further engage with interested parties, including small businesses. The department works closely with the DTI's Small Business Service, which maintains strong contacts with small businesses and acts as secretariat to the Small Business Council. As such the department maintains close relationships with many small businesses and their representatives, but does not maintain a single database for this purpose.