§ Mr. Douglasasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will give his estimates of the comprehensive advantage of the Government's regional incentives to firms wishing to expand or establish themselves in development areas, indicating the differentials which exist between such areas, intermediate areas and non-development areas using discounted cash flow techniques for assets valued at £100 and £1,000 having a life of 10, 20 and 30 years, and making comparisons with incentives in existence prior to 27th October, 1970.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantNo. The Question is too vague to permit a precise answer. More important, the figures requested would be meaningless because our measures are designed to attract profitable new employment to development areas, not merely assets. Investment grants encouraged the purchase of assets regardless of their profitability or effect on employment.