§ Mr. Norman Lamontasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in what circumstances regional development grants are available to nationalised industries.
§ Mr. ChatawayGrants will be made to nationalised industries which engage in qualifying activities, including construction activities, on the same basis as 227W private industry, except in one respect. Those industries whose principal activities are not included in the qualifying activities as defined in the Industry Act that is, all except coal and steel—will not be paid grant on assets which they provide in the course of such non-qualifying activities. Thus, for example, grant will not be paid to an electricity board towards the cost of an electricity cable or to the British Gas Corporation towards the cost of a gas main which these bodies provide on their customers' premises.