. >> toby perkins. >> if the deputy prime minister had attended the autumn statement, he would have heardcellor claim that this is a government who back small business. he could give those words some meaning by backing labour's plan to outlaw large companies who are charging small companies to be on their supply list. will he take this opportunity to back that plan and really start to stand up for small firms? >> thankfully, we have seen more new and small businesses being created under this coalition than since records began. i agree with him -- i think everyone would agree -- about the revelations that have come to light in recent days of some large companies, particularly in the food sector, in effect charging small suppliers for the privilege of providing them with supplies. i know that the right honorable member, the right honorable minister, my -- >> friend? >> -- friend is looking carefully at this matter, and he has already pledged publicly to take action if necessary. >> my constituent diane howells visited gp's in newark 15 times in eight months last year before she was eventual