HC Deb 18 June 2003 vol 407 cc328-9W
Margaret Moran

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of Government contracts have been awarded to small business in each year since 1997. [119613]

Nigel Griffiths

The Government has not historically collected this data. However, I have asked the Small Business Service to undertake an annual survey of Government procurement and I hope to be able to report the results of the 2001–02 survey shortly. The Small Business Service will be commencing the 2002–03 survey at the same time.

Mr. Martlew

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what percentage of government contracts have been awarded to small businesses, broken down by Government Department and agency since 1997. [119638]

Nigel Griffiths

The Government have not historically collected these data. However, I have asked the Small Business Service to undertake an annual survey of government procurement and I hope to be able to report the results of the 2001–02 survey, broken down by Government Department, agency etc. shortly. The Small Business Service will be commencing the 2002–03 survey at the same time.