79.
asked the Paymaster General what measures his Department is taking to encourage the growth of co-operatives.
Co-operatives can benefit from a number of schemes introduced by the Government to help and encourage small businesses, such as the loan guarantee scheme and the enterprise allowance scheme. In addition, the Co-operative Development Agency, which is sponsored by my Department, seeks to stimulate the growth of co-operatives by providing help and advice to co-operatives and to people wishing to set up such enterprises. The number of co-operatives has increased from less than 500 in 1982 to more than 1,400 in 1986.
80.
asked the Paymaster General if he will make a statement on his policy towards adult training in the light of the report by the National Audit Office.
I refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Wainwright) earlier today.