§ Sir Michael GryllsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to improve the Government publicity relating to the small firms loan guarantee scheme. [19758]
§ Mr. PageThere are no plans to change the way in which the scheme is publicised.
Information on the scheme is widely available. Details appear in relevant DTI publications and there is a separate scheme booklet. This is widely distributed to lenders and business intermediaries throughout the United Kingdom and is freely available directly from the DTI. Currently, around 5,000 copies a month are requested.
The main focus for promoting the scheme lies with lenders and intermediaries. The scheme is appropriate only when a lender considers the business proposal for a loan to be viable, and would be prepared to lend, but for the lack of collateral to use as security against a conventional loan or overdraft.
§ Sir Michael GryllsTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what plans he has to make the booklet relating to the small firms loans guarantee scheme more comprehensive. [19759]