Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report Chain reaction: Improving the supply chain experience for smaller firms, published by the Federation of Small Businesses in June; and whether they will publish their response to the recommendations in the report.

The Government notes this wide ranging report with interest and continues to engage with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) on a regular basis. It highlights some important issues on the supply chain experience for SMEs and the analysis and recommendations will be considered as we implement the Industrial Strategy which is taking action in many of these areas. Since the publication of the Industrial Strategy, four Sector Deals have been announced and there are more in discussion. And we will work in partnership with places to develop Local Industrial Strategies, which will be developed locally and agreed with the government.

I note the most commonly reported risks to supply chains by FSB smaller suppliers are customers failing to pay for services / goods provided (51%). At the Spring Statement, my rt. hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that a call for evidence will be published on eliminating unfair payment practices; this will seek views on how the government can go further to deliver a fair payment culture.