asked the Secretary of State for Industry what are the amounts of interest and capital repayable on Government loans to the Meriden Co-operative now outstanding and overdue; since when; and what steps he is taking to recover them.

Interest totalling £1·468 million on the Government loan of £4·2 million had accumulated by 31 December 1979 and is overdue for payment. The company is in discussions with possible partners and it has not been appropriate so far to institute legal proceedings for recovery.