§ Mr. Trippierasked the Secretary of State for Industry what plans he has to assist smaller businesses in the North-West of England to raise finance.
§ Mr. David MitchellWe have concluded an arrangement with Norwich Union Life Insurance Society whereby that company will consider making small business investments in the North-West on the basis of introduction and appraisal by the Department of Industry's small 699W firms service counselling team. Investment decisions will be taken by Norwich Union alone and the terms and conditions of such investments will be strictly commercial. Our purpose is to enable the smaller business to compete more strongly in the market for institutional finance.