§ 19. Mr. Barnettasked the Minister of Technology what representations he has received following his decision on the Imperial Chemical Industries' take-over bid for Viyella; and if he will make a further statement.
§ Mr. Harold LeverI have received no representations on this matter; and I have nothing to add at present to my statement of 25th March.—[Vol. 798, c. 1432–41.]
§ Mr. BarnettWould my right hon. Friend clarify the position? Does the 862 standstill still apply? In other words, is it still in operation as against other bids either from inside the country or outside, and what is the size criteria in terms of the standstill?
§ Mr. LeverThe standstill operates as before, subject to the rather complex modifications referred to in my statement, that is to say subject to the variations which comply with the conditions set out in the rather lengthy statement I made.
§ Mr. Kenneth BakerWhat will be the cost in a year of the special investment concessions the right hon. Gentleman gave to the textile industry, namely writing off capital expenditure within four years? Can he also say whether firms which get this will also benefit from investment grant?