Business is being strangled by a lack of credit - Cable

Commenting on the Bank of England's Credit Conditions survey which reveals lenders put the squeeze on small businesses during the first three months of the year, Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor, Vince Cable said:

"Business is being strangled by a lack of credit.

"For all the Chancellor's tough talk about making banks lend, this is further proof that the Government is failing to ensure good British businesses get the money they need.

"Unless businesses can get the credit they need to create jobs and growth, there will be no recovery.

"The Government must take a firm hand with the banks which we own to ensure that they are lending to British businesses and supporting our economy."