§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what plans he has further to support the development of credit unions in communities and workplaces.
§ Mr. NelsonThe credit union sector continues to expand steadily. There are now 316 community-based and 57 workplace credit unions in Great Britain. Three bodies exist to promote the further growth of the credit union movement: the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd., the Forum of Credit Unions Salford—FOCUS—and the National Federation of Savings and Co-operative Credit Unions. Funds have been made available through the DOE's urban programme to assist with the development of credit unions. Grants totalling £500,000 supported 20 projects in 1992–93.