HC Deb 21 January 1999 vol 323 c546W
32. Mr. Fisher

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what representations he has received from business leaders in the last month on the level of UK interest rates. [65224]

Mr. Byers

Ministers regularly receive representations from business leaders on many aspects of economic performance, including the level of interest rates. Frequently we are told that one of the most important things the Government can do for business is to deliver economic stability. The Government have taken tough and decisive action to secure that much needed stability, including giving independence to the Monetary Policy Committee of the Bank of England over interest rates. We shall support the Monetary Policy Committee in the difficult decisions they have to make.