Written question asked by John Greenway (Conservative) on Monday, 30 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by Janet Anderson (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the provision of an interest free loan scheme to tourism businesses.

Answer: Mr. Greenway: To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the provision of an interest free loan scheme to tourism businesses. [160129] Janet Anderson: As a member of the Rural Task Force, my Department has fed in suggestions on what help can be given to tourism businesses affected by foot and mouth, including loan schemes. A package of financial measures to help affected businesses was announced by my right hon. Friend the Minister for the Environment, and Chairman of the Rural Task Force, on 20 March. In addition, on 6 April the Department of Trade and Industry announced that tourist and retail businesses suffering cash-flow problems will now be able to apply for loans of up to £250,000 under the Small Firms Loan Guarantee Scheme with much greater flexibility over their repayments.

Secondary information