§ 10. Mr. Allan Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the average length of time it takes to process development area grants
§ The Minister of State, Department of Industry (Mr. Norman Lamont)On average, regional development grants are now paid eight or nine weeks after receipt of the grant application.
§ Mr. RobertsI know that the Minister is aware that the question relates to a firm called Fusidex, in my constituency, which has experienced considerable delays in getting Government grants. I received a letter this morning from the Minister about the matter. Will he do all he can to help the company, which is hoping to employ a considerable number of my constituents and has export orders, but none of which will come to anything if Government grants are not made available quickly?
§ Mr. LamontWe shall, of course, do everything we can to help the company. My right hon. Friend has written to the hon. Gentleman about the matter. No application for regional development grant has yet been received from the company, although my officials visited the company and there have been discussions about selective financial assistance. The company made an application for urban development grant, which, as the hon. Gentleman knows, is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment, but we shall do all we can to help.
§ Mr. WarrenI sympathise with the concern of the hon. Member for Bootle (Mr. Roberts). Does my hon. Friend feel that the time has come to review the value of development area status to the country as a whole, bearing in mind that it is a considerable burden on industry, reduces its competitiveness, and is not available to substantial areas which would like to have the same opportunities?
§ Mr. LamontAs my hon. Friend knows, there has been a fundamental review—the Quinlan review—of regional policy. We have completed the first stage and are now considering what further work needs to be done. My hon. Friend is right in thinking that very serious issues are involved.