To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will outline the measures he has taken to encourage workers' co-operatives.

The national Co-operative Development Agency, during its period of sponsorship by the Employment Department, has done excellent work in supporting and advising co-operatives. Much of this work is now carried out by other support bodies.Like any other eligible business, workers' co-operatives can benefit from a number of schemes introduced by the Employment Department to help and encourage small businesses. The loan guarantee scheme, the enterprise allowance scheme and information and counselling from the small firms service are all examples of the support provided by the Department.