§ Mr. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether it is possible to reduce the minimum level of loans available to small firms under the agency agreement between Her Majesty's Government and the European Investment Bank.
§ Mr. David MitchellYes. I am pleased to announce that as from today the limit is being reduced from £17,000 to £15,000. This should enable more small firms in the assisted areas to take advantage of the 10 per cent. fixed interest rate loans available under the scheme.