It is hoped that this paper might be useful to Finance Committee when it examines the Government's request for funding on 31 July 1998. The LC Paper has not provided enough information that the Government is ready to launch the scheme.
Clarification is required.
It became clear to us that the SFS as presently structured will probably help very few companies. The companies likely to benefit are a narrow band of medium-sized companies with strong balance sheet. We believe it is important for Finance Committee to see the SFS in this context. We do not object to the SFS but we believe it is not good enough to help SMEs. The Government should have a long term policy to help SMEs, and not just a temporary measure as the SFS is presently structured.