§ Mr. Hancockasked the Paymaster General how many loans have been made under the small firms loan guarantee scheme in each year since 1981.
§ Mr. TrippierThe table shows the number of guarantees issued in each financial year since 1981.
Financial year Number issued 1981–82 3,351 1982–83 6,045 1983–84 4,890 1984–85 2,084 1985–86* 365 * 31 October 1985.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Paymaster General what has been the value of the guarantee called in under the small firms loan guarantee scheme in each year since 1981.
§ Mr. TrippierThe table lists the values of guarantees called in each financial year since 1981.
Financial year Value £ million 1981–82 0.188 1982–83 14.830 1983–84 34.501 1984–85 42.371 1985–86* 25.72 * To date.
§ Mr. Hancockasked the Paymaster General how many guarantees called in under the small firms loan guarantee scheme have been the subject of criminal investigation.
§ Mr. TrippierThe investigation of crime is a matter for the police. Loans covered by the guarantee scheme are made to small firms by banks and other financial 643W institutions, which are entitled to claim under a guarantee following default by the borrower. No claim by a lender under a guarantee has been the subject of a police 644W investigation. Police inquiries into the affairs of a borrower or associated persons have occasionally come to my Department's notice.