§ 2.41 p.m.
§ LORD DRUMALBYNMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government what specific projects they have under review for assistance under their industrial expansion policy.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF HOUSING AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (LORD KENNET)My Lords, it would not be right to give details of possible projects for industrial investment schemes under the Industrial Expansion Bill until they have been worked out with firms or industries.
§ LORD DRUMALBYNMy Lords, is the noble Lord able to give an indication as to whether he will be able to give this information when the Bill comes before the House?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, the possibility of giving information about the particular schemes is only partially related to the moment at which the Bill comes before the House. It would not be right to give the information in advance of the House considering the Bill. Whether it will be possible to give information whether particular schemes will have been far enough considered by then, I am not at present in a position to say.
§ LORD DRUMALBYNMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware that he will be much more persuasive in recommending the Bill to the House if he is able to substantiate it with particular projects which the Government have in mind?
§ LORD KENNETMy Lords, I am aware of that consideration, and also of certain other countervailing considerations.