asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the total amount of bank advances by the three Scottish clearing banks in 1972, 1973 and 1974 in fixed and in actual prices.

The net amount advanced during the banking year 1972 was £355 million, in 1973 £358 million and in 1974 £345 million. Without detailed information on the use to which the advances were put, it is not possible to provide figures at constant prices.