asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether one of the measures of assistance to small firms currently being considered is a Government-backed loan guarantee facility; and if he will consider making this facility available to small concerns registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts, and the Industrial Common Ownership Act 1976.

The possibility of setting up a loan guarantee scheme on a commercial basis is being considered in the light of the report of the Roll committee and I will certainly bear my hon. Friend's point in mind.