§ Mr. PriskTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent discussions he has had with representatives of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales regarding the effectiveness of the company finance market. [135071]
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§ John HealeyThe Government issued a consultation document alongside Budget 2003 called "Bridging the Finance Gap: a Consultation on Improving Access to Growth Capital for Small Businesses". The consultation explored a wide range of issues concerning the ability of firms, and in particular, small and high-growth firms, to raise the finance that they need in the market. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) were one of many interested parties who responded to the consultation. The Government are currently considering the responses that it has received from the consultation and will respond in due course.
Additionally, ICAEW is represented on an advisory group, established in Budget 2003, which is examining the role of accountants and other financial intermediaries in providing advice to firms about the financing options available to them. The group is expected to report to the Government next month.