Brown speaks at British Chambers of Commerce

Chancellor, Gordon Brown, was reported to have dashed hopes that there would be any rethink on IR35 as he defended his so-called "Budget for Enterprise" at the British Chambers of Commerce conference.

He told the conference there was no alternative to the tough economic policies he was pursuing and that he wanted a new drive to boost business productivity.

According to the BBC Online 'he refused to modify his stance of clamping down on tax avoidance schemes - such as the IR35 measure for self-employed people who set up personal service companies'.

However, he continued the Government's e-theme of recent weeks with a recap of the various measures Government was taking to promote 'real' risk takers and entrepreneurs. He also said that he had met the concerns of the CBI, the BCC, the FSB and other groups in his Budget.

Mr Brown said: "I want us not only to give more people the chance to turn their ideas into profitable businesses but to be able to say to business in every part of the country this government will be on your side if you're starting up, growing, hiring, investing, innovating, exporting, going public. At every stage, in every way, on your side as you move up the ladder of opportunity."

He continued: "So stage by stage we are removing the tax barriers to enterprise and creating in Britain the best tax environment for business investment.

"I want us to make Britain the best environment for e-commerce and catch up with America as swiftly as possible."

His vision is 'Britain which is business-friendly and where there is enterprise and opportunity for all, mobilising the great British qualities - our belief in hard work, enterprise, creativity and fair play, the best and surest route to prosperity for all.'

During the speech he said that 'work permits would allow key workers in IT areas to be employed in our country.'

Full text of speech is on Treasury website