§ Mr. David Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Industry if, in the light of the fact that excess demurrage costs at United Kingdom docks as a result of the lorry drivers' strike are causing grave financial difficulties to some small businesses, he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Les HuckfieldWhile the Government are fully seized of the problems faced by small businesses as a result of recent industrial disruption and are watching the position carefully, I have no evidence to suggest that demurrage costs are causing particular problems for the sector as a whole. However, I do understand that the Bank of England has been in touch with the major clearing banks which understand the need to assist their customers, within the limits of commercial procedure, through temporary cash flow, difficulties that have resulted from the current industrial disputes. I hope therefore that companies affected will find that their bankers totally share this understanding.