Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill

My Lords, I support what my noble friend has just said in relation to Amendment 2. It is often contended that I do not care about SMEs and that I care only about employment rights. That is not true. From the standpoint of the provision of employment, it is important that SMEs are protected. The Government ought to support this amendment as it offers SMEs protection and support. One of the reasons why they are not always able to offer employment is because they do not get the money—they do not get the contracts. This provision seeks to ensure that everything possible is done to make sure that SMEs get the money and the opportunity to play the part that many of them want to play in the provision of employment. They can do that only if they have the necessary contracts and support indicated in Amendment 2. I hope that the Government will accept the amendment.