HC Deb 08 May 1978 vol 949 c328W
Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether, in view of the current world shipping recession, he will take steps to help those United Kingdom shipping companies which may otherwise have to sell their ships.

Mr. Dell

By agreement with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry, and in consultation with the clearing banks, I am prepared to consider the limited extension of Government guarantees given on loans made under Section 10 of the Industry Act 1972. I intend to make this facility available to companies which have short-term problems, and no recourse to other sources of finance, but which are expected with the aid of such moratoria to be able to come through this recession as viable entities.

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