§ Mr. Nigel JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) what survey his Department has carried out of banks' lending policies towards building and construction companies; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that the building and constuction industry is given sufficient financial support to enable it to expand; and if he will make a statement;
(3) if he will meet representatives of the Chartered Institute of Building to discuss the institute's Bank Watch Campaign.
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 28 June 1993]: Banks' lending policies are a commercial matter for the banks themselves to determine; however, I am aware of the construction industry's concern, and of the Chartered Institute of Building's Bank Watch Campaign. I regularly meet representatives of the construction industry and would expect to discuss this and other issues with them at such meetings.