Current status: Answered by Wendy Alexander on 23 April 2002
To ask the Scottish Executive whether the group lending model proposed for the microcredit programme is suitable for mixed gender groups.
Evidence from pilot schemes in the west of Scotland has shown that the group lending model is suitable for women, and women are expected to be the main beneficiaries of the extended scheme. Evaluation of the programme will, however, assess carefully the impact of the scheme on any mixed gender groups established.