To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many social enterprises were established during 2008. (248219)

The most recent figures suggest that there are at least 55,000 social enterprises in the UK. Social enterprises are not, however, defined by a particular legal form and as a result are not required to register with any one body. Information on the number of social enterprises established in any particular year is, therefore, unavailable.

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many social enterprises have (a) been established and (b) ceased operating since 1997. (248220)

The most recent figures suggest that there are at least 55,000 social enterprises in the UK. Social enterprises are not, however, defined by a particular legal form and as a result are not required to register with any one body. Information on the number of social enterprises that have been established or have ceased operating is, therefore, unavailable.