§ Mr. Iremongerasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will provide interest-free loans for small business men whose commitments will not 152W be covered by takings during the three-day working week.
§ Mr. Kershawasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he is aware that the three-day week will cause difficulty for small firms and enterprises in the Stroud valleys ; what steps he is taking by way of special credit arrangements, advice to the banks or otherwise, to ensure that small firms can survive the present difficulties ; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI am, of course, aware of the difficulties which are facing small firms in general at this time. The Government's advice is that businesses with temporary liquidity problems should turn in the normal way to their banks which will, I am sure, react sympathetically. The Government for their part will be watching the situation closely and will wish to ensure that banks have sufficient liquidity to meet the reasonable needs of industry.