Lib Dems slam delay of small business banking report
The Government has been accused of dragging its feet and failing to respond to the needs of small businesses, including pubs.
Liberal Democrat small business spokesman Brian Cotter last week accused ministers of having a "blasé attitude" to the issue and hit out at the Government for delaying the publication of a small business banking report.
It is hoped the report will force banks to impose fairer terms and conditions for small businesses, levelling the playing field between them and larger firms.
Mr Cotter launched his attack after Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) minister Melanie Johnson gave an "offhand and cavalier" response when he asked her how long it would be before the report was published.
"The minister said the report would be published as soon as it was practicable, which means nothing," a Lib Dem spokeswoman said.
"The report has already been delayed since June last year."
The Lib Dem party is furious at the Government's attitude to the delay.
"It is unacceptable that members acting for the public are being given inappropriate answers, particularly as recent Lib Dem investigations identified a deplorable number of outstanding replies to parliamentary questions," Mr Cotter said.
"As an MP making a reasonable inquiry about the publication of a major report affecting small businesses, I do not expect to be told that the Department will take action as soon as is 'practicable'," he said.
Kate Nicholls, spokeswoman for the trade's Red Tape Group, said: "Small businesses have suffered at the hands of banks in the past. In particular, pubs have suffered because they are a cash business.
"The toughest option that the report will suggest will be for banks to change their terms and conditions and the services that they offer small businesses. It's been a long-running inquiry and we will welcome the report when it comes out."
Media speculation suggests that Chancellor Gordon Brown will release the report this week, but the Government has not yet confirmed this.
