HC Deb 25 October 1988 vol 139 c188W
39. Mr. William Powell

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he has any plans to discuss with the European Investment Bank global loans to small business; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Cope

European Investment Bank loans are generally available to small and medium-sized enterprises only through financial intermediaries such as the clearing banks. It is for the banks to decide whether there is advantage in borrowing global loans from the EIB to lend on to small firms.