§ Mr. Fallonasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement about the future of the exchange risk guarantee scheme.
§ Mr. Norman LamontOn 18 December I announced that the exchange risk guarantee scheme for loans from the European Investment Bank and the European Coal and Steel Community would be extended until 31 March 1985. The future of the scheme was to be reviewed in the light of the recently introduced changes in regional industrial policy. That review is nearly complete and I hope to be able to announce the Government's decision shortly. In the meantime, applications for cover under the scheme will continue to be accepted.