ISSUES affecting the small business community were discussed during a question and answer session at a meeting organised by the Darlington branch of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The effect of the foot-and-mouth crisis, the future of regional government and issues surrounding the euro were among topics given an airing at the meeting in the Blackwell Grange Hotel, Darlington.

A guest panel comprised Gateshead MP Joyce Quin, John Elliot of the Business for Sterling group, FSB press and parliamentary officer Stephen Alanbritis, Ray Jobling from InBizz, which provides start-up training for new businesses, and The Northern Echo editor, Peter Barron.

Branch chairman Peter Troy said: "The meeting was packed with enthusiastic questions because there is a lot of issues at the moment, both nationally and in the North-East, which affects the smaller business community."

Other issues included the problems of running a small business with the mass of red tape and bureaucracy which it involves.

Several questions were directed at Ms Quin, who recently announced her intention to step down from the House of Commons to focus on campaigning for a North-East regional assembly.

There were fears that a regional assembly could mean extra costs and red tape for small businesses and could lead to the break-up of the country.

But the MP said: "If it means the break up of the United Kingdom, I would not be in favour of it."

In a debate on the euro, a straw poll of those present revealed that 45 per cent did not want it under any circumstances and the majority agreed there was not enough information available.

Mr Troy said: "What we aim to do at these meetings is get our members to let off steam and have people there who can contribute to our deliberations.

"Our overall message is that we are important. Politicians and Government organisations will naturally talk to the big business world, because they are seen as important, but 52 per cent of people who work in the private sector work for small businesses."

The Darlington branch of the FSB, which has 650 members, holds regular meetings. The next will discuss employment legislation and how to avoid being taken to an industrial tribunal.

For more information on the Federation of Small Businesses, visit the website on www.fsb.org.uk