Oral Answers to Questions

William Bain Excerpts

Thursday 15th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Norman Lamb]

I can confirm that the duty in section 172 is absolutely clear. The evidence of surveys shows that the duty is well understood, and it is important that directors abide by it.

[Mr William Bain (Glasgow North East) (Lab)]

20. What steps he plans to take to improve access to finance for small businesses.

[The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (Mr Mark Prisk)]

The Government are providing a comprehensive package of finance support, whether it be debt or equity funding, financial support for exports, or indeed a Business Angel co-investment fund. Next week, the Chancellor will launch the national loan guarantee scheme.

[Mr Bain]

With just 136 net business start-ups in Glasgow North East in the last year, and with net bank lending having fallen in every quarter of 2011, when will firms in my constituency benefit from credit easing? It is more than five months since the Chancellor first announced it.

[Mr Prisk]

It will be launched next week.