Parliamentary Assistant Philip Mifsud took opposition speakers to task for what he called their “negative tones” in their comments on the Small Business Bill.

He said it was generally understood and accepted that SMEs were the economy’s backbone, and the Bill aimed to enhance their operational environment.

Mr Mifsud said the economic recession had affected small businesses as much as the larger ones. But there was a great deal of trust, leading to the creation of a number of new enterprises. Competition was increasing and profits were cascading onto other sectors of the economy.

The Bill aimed at setting up new entities that allowed for a sheltered space for smaller-sized enterprises.

The Consultative Council and the College of Regulators would be analysing problems and providing solutions. It was wrong for the opposition to state that such entities would not be useful as this would be undermining feedback received directly by small business owners. SMEs needed increased support.

Mr Mifsud referred to the May 28 referendum and suggested the waiver of legislation prohibiting the operation of businesses in the vicinity of polling stations on the day of the poll.