asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will publish figures, for the most recent year for which statistics are available, of the total sums lent to small businesses by the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas and of the number of new jobs created as a result of those loans.

During 1977–78 COSIRA advanced £3·46 million creating about 1,700 new jobs.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether he will authorise a supplementary grant to the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas, so that it can lend money to any small business in a rural area.

No. Since 1975 increased funds made available by the Government have enabled COSIRA to almost double its annual lending rate.

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment in what areas small firms are no longer able to get loans from the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas because it has used up almost all its current grant.

In accordance with the Development Commission's remit, priority is being given to small firms in the assisted areas and the Commission's special investment areas.