§ Mr. BoyesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans are being considered further to develop the loan guarantee scheme for inner city investment and development.
§ Mr. CopeOne of this Government's principal aims has been to encourage the establishment and development of businesses in the inner city areas. As part of the action for cities initiative launched on Monday 7 March 1988 we have increased the guarantee available under the loan guarantee scheme to businesses based or wishing to be642W based in the 16 inner city task force areas from 70 per cent. to 80 per cent. I hope that this increase in the guarantee will make it easier for businesses in inner city areas to take advantage of the scheme.