asked the Paymaster General what steps he is taking to encourage female business people to become small firms counsellors.

I am anxious to see a larger number of business women as small firms service counsellors. To that end, I have sought to raise awareness through contact with various women's organisations, with the press, and also through advertising in magazines read by professional women. As a result of this, I am pleased to say that the service is expecting 30 applicants to be interviewed in the near future.