asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the total amount of loans and grants made to industry by the various State agencies during the five-year period 1972 to 1977.

In the period 1972-1977, inclusive, grants paid to industry totalled approximately £180 million. This figure relates to the activities of organisations associated with my Department, up to the latest dates in 1977 for which information is available.

None of these bodies is empowered to make loans to industry.