The power we propose is so flexible that it can be limited in time, or be subject to further amendment or, indeed, revocation by the Secretary of State. More important than all of this, is the fact that this is simply an enabling power. It means that the Secretary of State will actually have to take the time to listen to those who wish to present a case to her, but that duty goes with the red boxes and the ministerial car. You do actually have to listen to what people are saying to you. You do have to listen to points of view that do not emanate just from Transport House.
Small firms are the engine for the creation of new jobs.
Small and medium-sized companies, employing fewer than 250 people are estimated to provide 10 million jobs and to generate 40 per cent. Large firms, including many members of the CBI, have been shedding jobs for years. The Secretary of State may not agree with one word of that survey. She may also not agree with the report published in June by the House of Commons Select Committee on Trade and Industry, which has severely criticised the Government's failure to give proper support for small businesses. Nevertheless, in case the Secretary of State is wrong about the need for exemptions to be made from the national minimum wage and the Forum of Private Business' survey is right, she needs the power to correct the mistake that we feel she is making.