UK: International Competitiveness

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Wednesday 23rd June 2010

(13 years, 10 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Strathclyde Portrait Lord Strathclyde
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My Lords, there is time for both noble Lords. Perhaps we should have the noble Lord, Lord Cotter, first, and then the noble Lord, Lord Jones.

Lord Cotter Portrait Lord Cotter
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My Lords, the Government are rightly committed to reducing bureaucracy to help competitiveness. Will the Minister look at the hurdles faced by small businesses when they try to borrow? They include new charges and fees along the line, audits, facility fees, reviews, management fees and so it goes on. These are clearly blocks in the way of the ability to borrow. Will the Minister also consider the high rate at which businesses frequently have to borrow through the banks?