asked the Prime Minister whether she will set up a working party of City institutions and Ministers to discuss improved methods of encouraging small shareholders to increase their equity stake in British industry and commerce.

No. I see no need to formalise, and so limit, the extensive and wide-ranging contacts which now exist between the institutions and Government. This Government believe that small shareholders make a very valuable contribution to British industry and commerce. The importance which we attach to the continued enlargement of their role has been made clear by the steps we have already taken, particularly through the business start-up scheme and the improved arrangements for profit-sharing and share-option schemes.