The UK Government has been accused of not caring about small businesses in the East End after the local MP revealed he was still waiting for a reply from Lord Mandelson six months after writing to the Business Secretary about local concerns.

In February, Glasgow East MP John Mason wrote to Business Secretary Lord Mandelson highlighting local business worries about the impact late payment of bills was having on their businesses – but despite chasing the Labour Minister for a response and receiving a parliamentary apology in June, Mr Mason is still waiting for a reply.

Mr Mason said:

“Small businesses in Glasgow face real challenges in the current climate, and it is concerning that the UK Business Secretary cannot be bothered to respond to the problems faced by local employers.”

Notes:

1. Mr Mason wrote to Lord Mandelson on 20th February 2009 following discussions with small businesses in his constituency – the MP wrote highlighting a number of concerns that had been raised with him, including issues about cashflow and the late payment of bills. (For a copy of the original letter sent, please contact Gramt McLennan, contact details as below.)

2. Between February and now Mr Mason has written on a monthly basis to Lord Mandelson chasing a reply – and received an apology from a junior Minister in Lord Mandelson’s department – however the MP is still waiting for a response:

John Mason: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform when the Secretary of State plans to respond to the letter of 20 February 2009 from the hon. Member for Glasgow East on the difficulties encountered by small businesses in Glasgow. [275151]

Ian Pearson: I apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding, this is unacceptable and the hon. Member will receive a response from the relevant Minister shortly.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090601/text/90601w0014.htm#09060133000337