§ 32. Mr. Bellinghamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will increase the maximum level of loan available under the loan guarantee scheme from £75,000 to £250,000.
§ Mr. TrippierThe maximum limit for loans under this scheme is one of the issues I have been considering during my current review on which I hope to be making a statement within the next few weeks; I have noted that the average size of scheme loans has remained fairly constant at about £33,000 since the scheme was introduced and that lending above £75,000 is often provided by a mixture of scheme lending and conventional bank facilities.
§ 42. Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when his review of the loan guarantee scheme will be completed.
§ Mr. TrippierMost of the main components of my review have now been completed and I am examining them carefully. I hope to be able to make a statement within the next few weeks.