To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what steps his Department is taking to protect small businesses in the current economic climate; and if he will make a statement. (229214)

Small businesses are central to the UK economy and the Government are fully committed to supporting business at this critical time.

We have committed to pay firms within 10 days, and to ensure banks make funds available to small businesses.

We also announced this week:

An enhanced training offer through Train to Gain;

Free “Health Checks” through Business Link; and

New finance guides with the Institute of Credit Management.