HC Deb 16 November 1970 vol 806 cc327-8W
Mr. James Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will list the financial benefits that accrue to North Humberside under its intermediate area status; and whether these are to continue.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The list is detailed and contains a number of figures: I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. No changes are planned in the incentives which it has been announced will be available in the intermediate area.

The following is the information:

FINANCIAL BENEFITS TO INTERMEDIATE AREAS

1. Under the Local Employment Acts 1970, the following forms of assistance are available in the intermediate areas:

  1. (i) grants at 25 per cent. and in special cases 35 per cent., towards the cost of factory building;*
  2. (ii) factory building by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Industrial Estates Corporations—both custom-built and advance factories;*
  3. (iii) payments towards the cost of transferring key workers to new undertakings;
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  4. (iv) financial assistance to local authorities and other bodies for the improvement of basic services where this is expedient with a view to contributing to the development of industry;
  5. (v) financial assistance to local authorities towards the cost of acquiring and improving derelict land where this is expedient with a view to contributing to the development of industry in the locality. The rate of grant for eligible derelict land clearance schemes in the Intermediate Areas is 75 per cent.

* Building grants and factory building by the Department of Trade and Industry are linked to the provision of employment.

2. The full range of Development Area training grants and other training assistance are also payable throughout the Intermediate Areas.

3. The Government intend that initial allowances, at a rate of 40 per cent., for new industrial buildings and structures in the Intermediate Areas introduced as a temporary measure in April should continue indefinitely. The national rate, presently 30 per cent., will revert to 15 per cent. on 5th April, 1972.