Mr. Gareth R. ThomasTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 23 October 2001, Official Report, column 204W, on bank disclosures, what(a) barriers to and (b) opportunities for growth in the individual banks' lending activities in disadvantaged communities he has identified; and if he will make a statement. [12446]
§ Ruth KellyThe barriers and opportunities to banks' lending activities in disadvantaged communities are identified in several reports including
Enterprise and Social Exclusion, Policy Action Team 3" (HM Treasury November 1999).Enterprising Communities: Wealth Beyond Welfare" (Social Investment Task Force, October 2000).Finance for Small Businesses in Deprived Communities" (Bank of England November 2000).