§ 26. Mr. Haymanasked the President of the Board of Trade what reply he has sent to the borough council of Penryn, Cornwall, to its letter about industrial development there.
§ Mr. MaudlingI have told the council that it is not the policy of the Board to refuse assistance to firms wishing to set up in Penryn but that on the contrary we should like to see more industry established there. I have also explained why I cannot disclose in individual cases the specific reasons which lead the B.O.T.A.C. to reject applications for assistance under the Local Employment Act.
§ Mr. HaymanIs the Minister aware that the general feeling in Penryn is that the dice is loaded against small firms applying for B.O.T.A.C. aid? Is he satisfied with his Advisory Committee's interpretation of the Local Employment Act, because it has absolute discretion?
§ Mr. MaudlingYes, Sir. I and my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary have looked more than once at the administration by the Committee of its instructions and I believe that it is carrying them out faithfully and well.