asked the Secretary of State for Industry how the National Enterprise Board may determine under its guidelines whether or not to meet the liabilities of its subsidiary of associated companies in the event of their insolvency.

I have nothing to add to the statements made to the Public Accounts Committee by my Department's accounting officer in May last—see Eighth Report of the Committee of Public Accounts, Session 1976–77, Appendix III.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what payments have been made, or are due to be made, by the National Enterprise Board to meet the liabilities of its subsidiary or associated companies; and if he will list the companies concerned.

This is a matter for the NEB.

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list the subsidiary or associated companies of the National Enterprise Board whose creditors have a specific guarantee from the Government.

I refer the hon. Member to my statement of 21st January 1977.