§ Mr. Armstrongasked the President of the Board of Trade what representations he has had from the North-East Development Council as to delays in the payments of grants to industrial firms; what reply he has sent; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. JayI have received a letter drawing attention to the financial difficulties of a firm which has bought new machinery this year, but has not yet received an investment grant.
In reply I have explained that the Investment Grants Offices will shortly be inviting applications for investment grants and will be issuing application forms and 160W an explanatory booklet. Payment of claims will start next July.