§ Dr. John A. Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1) how many companies are still in dispute with his Department about claims for investment grants on equipment purchased or ordered prior to the deadline in October, 1970; and how many are located in West Cumberland and in the Whitehaven constituency;
(2) what is the total amount of money claimed as investment grants by companies in development areas before the deadline in October, 1970, which is being disputed by the Department.
§ Mr. Anthony GrantA number of companies are in various stages of negotiation with my Department regarding the provision of evidence necessary to satisfy the Department under Section 1 of the Investment and Building Grants Act, 1971, that expenditure incurred is eligible for grant because it falls due under a contract made before 27th October, 1970.
It is not possible to assess if a particular company regards itself as having entered into dispute during negotiations or as remaining in dispute after rejection of an application.