The Committee enquired about the IDC's criteria for assisting companies in distress, especially the Frame Textile Group and how the funds would be loaned. The IDC responded that they were still in discussion with the Frame Textile Group and have not finalised whether they would be providing assistance. Furthermore, companies were assisted on a case by case basis. However, the IDC did not provide the specific criteria used, apart from the fact that only companies that were normally sustainable and were currently experiencing a cyclical loss due to the economic crisis would be considered. In terms of the IDC's role in assisting companies in distress, the Committee is of the view that the IDC should not have an ad hoc approach to who it assists but should consider the long term objectives of the country when doing this selection process.