§ So much for further public outlay for the benefit of the development districts. I now turn to the question of inducing firms to establish themselves or to expand in these areas.
§ In my view, the Local Employment Act has shown itself to be an instrument well designed for its purpose and has worked very successfully. I have a certain paternal interest, and I still think it is true. It has been represented from many quarters that it could be made still better—[HON. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] that is what I propose to do—if enterprises considering setting up or expanding in development districts could be given in advance some more precise indication of the financial benefits that would be available to them.
§ The Government have decided to meet this point by introducing standard grants of 25 per cent. of the cost of buildings and 10 per cent. of the cost of plant and machinery. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade, who will give further details when he speaks tomorrow, intends to introduce amending legislation as soon as possible.