§ 33. Mr. Abseasked the President of the Board of Trade how many American and other foreign companies engaged within the man-made fibre industry have received financial aid to attract them into the development areas; and whether, in view of 328W the present difficulties of the indigenous man-made fibre industry, he will review the policy of granting further aid to foreign man-made fibre producers.
§ Mr. JayOnly one foreign firm in this industry has been offered assistance under the Local Employment Acts compared with 17 British firms. I see no grounds for a review of the policy whereby the inducements to establish projects in development areas are available without discrimination on grounds of nationality.
§ 34. Mr. Abseasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, in view of concern resulting from the increasing redundancies in the man-made fibre industry, he will conduct an inquiry into the structure of the industry to ensure that the national interest and the interest of those employed in the industry may be taken into account in any mergers or rationalisation.
§ Mr. JayThe Government are informed of projected mergers and has the means, either itself, or by reference to the Monopolies Commission, to ensure that the national interest and that of employees are taken into account.