asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied with the arrangements for monitoring the investment programmes of firms and companies employing less than 500 persons.

I have been asked to reply.The investment intentions surveys and the quarterly inquiries on actual expenditure carried out by my Department do not provide for an analysis by firms according to size. Appropriate monitoring arrangements are made with all firms, including firms employing fewer than 500, which are in receipt of selective financial assistance from the Government.