§ Mr. Farrasked the Secretary of State for the Environment when loans to the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas for the development of rural businesses, which ceased at the end of 1978, will be recommenced.
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§ Mr. MonroLoans to small businesses in rural areas are made by COSIRA with funds provided through the Department.
Because demand exceeds the funds available, COSIRA has had to restrict loans to small firms in the Development Commission's special investment areas. There is little prospect of an early resumption of lending to small businesses elsewhere. Nevertheless, COSIRA is helping applicants for loans to find alternative sources of borrowing.