§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Industry what studies the Government is carrying out of the proposal for a bank loan guarantee scheme for small and medium-size companies.
§ Mr. CryerThe need for a loan guarantee scheme for small and medium-sized companies is currently being examined by the NEDC Committee on Finance for Industry chaired by Lord Roll—the Roll Committee—and proposals for such a scheme are among the topics being considered by the Wilson Committee in the part of its inquiry relating to the financing of industry and trade. The findings of these committees on the loan guarantee scheme will be examined by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and myself, in order to assess the desirability and feasibility of such a scheme.