To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills how many businesses have received funding directly from his Department since 2008. (320214)

During the economic downturn, the Government have supported thousands of businesses of all sizes by way of a number of programmes through a combination of grants, guarantees, investments and loans. Through the Enterprise Finance Guarantee, over 8,000 businesses have been offered loans totalling over £850 million. Through the Regional Transition Loan Fund, over £40 million of loans have been agreed. And 160,000 businesses have been able to spread £5 billion in business taxes through allowing businesses more time to pay their tax bill.