Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department is taking steps to help support small and medium-sized businesses to compete with online retailers.

SMEs remain a key part of the high street, and a thriving high street will need a strong retail offering.

This is why the Government is creating a fairer business rate system and transforming the apprenticeship levy to support business and boost opportunities. This work will be supported by the publication of The Small Business Strategy Command Paper next year.

Through the Retail Sector Council, we are addressing strategic issues for the sector, including high street regeneration, skills and sustainability.