§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment when he last met the chairman of Barclays, Lloyds, National Westminster, Royal Bank of Scotland and the Midland banks to discuss their involvement in the loan guarantee scheme; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ForthI meet or correspond with senior banking representatives on a regular basis to discuss their general services to small firms, including their involvement in the loan guarantee scheme. I have also met the small firms sub-committee of the Committee of London and Scottish Bankers.
Between June 1981 and March 1991, more than 27,900 guarantees have been issued under the scheme, corresponding to lending of £891 million. The scheme continues to have a significant role in assisting small firms that cannot otherwise raise finance for viable business activities.
§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list the number of loan guarantee schemes granted by(a) Barclays, (b) Lloyds, (c) National Westminster, (d) Royal Bank of Scotland and (e) the Midland banks in each of the last three years.
§ Mr. ForthThe number of guarantees issued for each of the banks is as follows:
1988 1989 1990 Barclays 586 625 640 Lloyds 352 370 263 National Westminster 430 1,127 1,387 Royal Bank of Scotland 61 74 69 Midland 375 521 1,087