Annex I
INDUSTRY AND ENTERPRISE
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Sixth Report
of Session 1997-98, HC 774: Government Response, Seventh Special
Report, HC 528
1. The Committee decided to undertake a
brief inquiry into SMEs to help inform the first debate planned
on SMEs, in fulfilment of the new Government's commitment to hold
an annual debate on the subject. After an April 1998 seminar and
oral evidence in June 1998, the Committee reported rapidly so
as to be able to help the House. Its principal conclusion was
that a coherent SMEs policy framework was essential but remained
lacking.
2. The Government response was guardedly
welcoming and provided an opportunity for publication of a good
deal of further information on finance for SMEs, EU policy, Business
Links plans and other matters. The issues were followed up in
the Committee's subsequent September 1999 Report (see below).
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