HC Deb 07 June 1990 vol 173 cc701-2W
15. Mr. Speller

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his policy on the use of interest rates to influence the number of small business start-ups.

Mr. Ryder

The best way to encourage small businesses is by creating and sustaining an environment in which they can flourish, and that means defeating inflation. The only way to achieve this is to set interest rates at the appropriate level.

20. Mr. Eastham

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received from the Confederation of British Industry on the current level of interest rates.

Mr. Ryder

My right hon. Friend has received a number of such representations.

29. Mr. Benn

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer when he will next meet the Governor of the Bank of England to discuss interest rate policy.

Mr. Major

I meet the Governor of the Bank of England from time to time to discuss a variety of matters.

31. Mr. Jim Marshall

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what impact he assesses his interest rate policy has had on the level of unemployment.

Mr. Norman Lamont

The effects of the Government's interest rate policy were taken into account in the discussion of the prospects for unemployment published in chapter 3 of the "Financial Statement and Budget Report" at paragraph 3.48. The defeat of inflation is essential for economic prosperity and employment.

34. Mrs. Margaret Ewing

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the effect of interest rates on Scottish economic performance.

41. Mr. Sillars

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the effects of interest rates on Scottish economic performance.

47. Mr. Salmond

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the effects of interest rates on Scottish economic performance.

53. Mr. Andrew Welsh

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what representations he has received on the effects of interest rates on Scottish economic performance.

Mr. Ryder

My right hon. Friend has received a number of such representations.

38. Mr. Knox

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

Mr. Ryder

Bank base rates are 15 per cent.

43. Mr. Dykes

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will estimate the extent to which high interest rates add to the rate of inflation, other than in the effects from home mortgage rate increases.

Mr. Ryder

By curbing demand growth, high interest rates, supported by a firm fiscal policy, will in time reduce inflation.

Forward to