HC Deb 30 November 1989 vol 162 cc419-20W
16. Mr. Sean Hughes

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many letters he has received from small businesses about the level of interest rates.

Mr. Ryder

Over the last year we have received a small number each month.

26. Mr. Latham

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received from the Confederation of British Industry about the level of interest rates; and what reply he has sent.

Mr. Ryder

My right hon. Friend has received one, to which he replied on 24 November.

28. Mr. Pawsey

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what organisations have made representations to him about the present level of interest rates.

Mr. Ryder

My right hon. Friend and I have received a number of such representations.

72. Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the main guide to interest rate policy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ryder

In formulating their monetary policy, the Government will continue to be guided by movements in narrow and broad money (especially the movement of MO in relation to its target range) and the behaviour of other financial indicators, in particular the exchange rate.

76. Mr. Knox

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will make a statement on the current level of interest rates.

Mr. Ryder

Bank base rates are 15 per cent.

77. Mr. Salmond

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about high interest rates from business groups in Scotland.

78. Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about high interest rates from business groups in Scotland.

79. Mr. Andrew Welsh

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about high interest rates from business groups in Scotland.

80. Mr. Sillars

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what recent representations he has received about high interest rates from business groups in Scotland.

Mr. Ryder

None.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the current level of interest rates from the representatives of manufacturing industry.

Mr. Ryder

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor and I have received a number of such representations.

Mr. John Evans

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his Department's analysis of the effect high interest rates are having on small businesses.

Mr. Ryder

Inflation is the greatest threat to the prosperity of all small businesses. They will therefore benefit from the Government's determination to keep interest rates as high as necessary for as long as necessary as part of their firm anti-inflationary policy.