§ Mr. Joel Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many loans have been guaranteed to date under the loan guarantee scheme; what is the total value of such loans; how many guarantees have been called upon, with the total value; what plans he has for extending or ending the scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorBy 31 May 1982, the most recent date for which figures are available, 4,440 guarantees had been issued in respect of £149.1 million of bank lending. To date 35 claims have been paid under the terms of the Government's guarantee, to a total value of £752,033. A number of further claims are being processed. My preliminary review of the scheme is nearing completion, but at present there are no plans to introduce significant changes. The future of the scheme will be considered in the light of continuing monitoring and appraisal of its operation.