§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has received calling for the loan guarantee scheme to be made more attractive to small and medium-sized companies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeighThe President of the Board of Trade receives many representations on the loan guarantee scheme and 741W other measures to assist small firms. I refer to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget statement of 16 March in which he announced changes to the loan guarantee scheme which will offer real additional benefits to small firms.