§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Industry what requests for assistance he has received from Austin and Pickersgill under the terms of the Industry Act; under which Section or Sections of the Act the application has been made; what are the sums from public funds involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HefferThe company has asked for financial assistance under Section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 towards the cost of a £27 million modernisation scheme at its Southwick shipyard on the River Wear at Sunderland. The application is still under consideration and I am unable to provide any further information at this stage.