Business Rates

I am surprised that the hon. Gentleman says that, particularly when so much of what we have tried to achieve has been opposed by Conservative Members. Let me give some facts. Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs has agreed with 100,000 businesses the deferral of more than £2.5 billion in business taxes. The enterprise finance guarantee has provided an initial £1.3 billion of bank lending to SMEs. So far, 26 lenders, representing 90 per cent. of SME lending, are signed up. Eligible applications from more than 3,600 small businesses, totalling more than £400 million, have been assessed, are being processed or have been granted. That does not seem to be an indication of a lack of action, as opposed to the do nothing attitude of the Conservatives.