§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will list the current documents published that present concise details of the sources of funding for small businesses. [37596]
§ Nigel GriffithsThe Small Business Service has a brochure, Sources of Finance for your Business, which is aimed at helping small businesses decide what kind of finance is most appropriate to their needs. It contains details about sources of help and advice and contacts for further information. Copies of the booklet have been1120W distributed throughout the Business Link network, and also with Banks, Accountants and a wide variety of other financial institutions and business support organisations.
§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if the Competition Commission, as part of its SME banking investigation, is investigating the practice of routinely requiring personal guarantees from the proprietors of small businesses seeking finance. [37597]
§ Nigel GriffithsAs the issue of personal guarantees relates to banking services, and the Government's response to the Competition Commission report into the supply of banking services to small and medium enterprises has not yet been published, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.