HC Deb 06 July 1970 vol 803 cc304-5
12. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Minister of Technology if he will take steps to evaluate the effectiveness of industrial development grants.

Mr. Rippon

This is under review.

Mr. Maclennan

Naturally, it has been under review for some months. When will the review be completed? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman remember that the C.B.I. in Scotland has come out strongly in favour of the retention of investment grants, and that, in parts of the development areas where industry is trying to set up—particularly new industry—investment grants are much more valuable to companies which do not have substantial profits from the early years of their operations than would be investment allowances?

Mr. Rippon

As the hon. Gentleman says, this has been under review since February. I am not responsible for earlier delays.

Mr. Barnett

One can have different views about investment grants and investment allowances. Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman not agree that the worst possible thing which could happen is for industry to be left in a state of uncertainty about this very important aspect of increased industrial investment? Would he therefore let industry know before the Recess what he intends to do?

Mr. Rippon

I will certainly let industry know as soon as possible what I intend to do.