§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will examine the operation of the small firms loan guarantee scheme in Northern Ireland; and what is the number of applications made and the number of grants approved over the duration of the scheme.
§ Mr. ButlerThe small firms loan guarantee scheme is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. I am replying on his behalf. The scheme is currently under a review which extends to its operation in Northern Ireland. The participating banks are responsible for deciding whether to seek a guarantee under the scheme and there are no figures for the number of applications submitted to them. Up to 31 January 1984 the Department of Trade and Industry had issued 144 guarantees in respect of small businesses in Northern Ireland, relating to £5.6 million of bank lending.