§ 40. Sir G. de Freitasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether he has considered the resolution of the Corby and District Chamber of Commerce, a copy of which has been sent to him, on delays involved in obtaining industrial development certificates for factories outside the development and intermediate areas; and what plans he has for expediting the consideration of applications for such industrial development certificates.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantI am not aware of any undue delay in dealing with applications for these certificates, but if the right hon. Gentleman has a particular case in mind perhaps he would write to me.
§ Sir G. de FreitasWe have written repeatedly. Is the hon. Gentleman aware that under the Governments of both par- 28 ties there has been delay in granting I.D.C.s to new towns like Corby? Is he further aware that a substantial firm which was granted permission two years ago had had to wait for so long that it reluctantly decided to go elsewhere?
§ Mr. GrantIf the hon. Gentleman will refer to me any specific cases, I will certainly look into them. The last thing we want is delay in meeting these applications. My only comment is that applications in respect of assisted areas are generally answered almost by return of post, although those for other areas require a good deal of investigation. Firms often ask for a review, and that takes time. However, I will do everything I can to speed up the delivery.