Economic Development (Falkirk)

I agree entirely. We must have taxation and broader fiscal strategies that encourage entrepreneurialism and encourage people to create jobs. Those jobs might not be created in the same volume as those created by massive employers in our constituencies in years gone by, but we are tired of putting all our eggs in too few baskets. We need a diversified employment base in those areas, and given a choice between having one factory employing 1,000 people and 10 factories employing 100, I know which I would choose. We have to ensure that we encourage those small businesses. In the few minutes remaining, I shall address the two specific points that my hon. Friend raised. He rightly said that the Government are engaged in consultation with business in preparation for a new enterprise strategy paper next year and that much consultation has been taking place throughout the UK. He is also right to call on the Government to ensure that Scottish businesses are consulted, especially in areas that are not devolved, because we cannot simply isolate the conditions for the economic growth of small and medium-sized businesses and say that that area is devolved; it is not. I assure him that the Government will work closely with businesses in Scotland to make sure that they have an input into our enterprise strategy for the years ahead. As the UK develops its policy, it is vital that the voices of Scottish businesses are heard on many of the broader issues of taxation and European regulation that have been mentioned, and on the question of how we rise to the challenges of globalisation. My hon. Friend mentioned the reform of the enterprise network. I shall not stray too far on to that because it is devolved, but we are all watching it with interest. We know that it is important to get this right. It is important to have a higher-level strategic view across regions—those of us who have been local councillors know about the demands on local council finances—so that we do not lose vital economic stimulation. I congratulate my hon. Friend on bringing these issues to the House's attention. He is an excellent advocate for his constituency and as long as he is a voice representing Falkirk in the House, the needs of business, enterprise and employers in that area will never be short of a close and articulate friend.