§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Industry what Government grants are available to companies seeking to establish factories or offices on Merseyside.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieMerseyside is a special development area and the full range of regional incentives is available to firms setting up new projects or expanding their operations in the area. These include regional development grants at 22 per cent. for new buildings and plant and machinery; selective financial assistance under Section 7 of the Industry Act 1972, including service industry removal assistance; Government factories and, in some cases, rent free periods; and the regional employment premium. Companies can also benefit from nationwide assistance both for accelerated capital projects and modernisation schemes, and for schemes for the modernisation of particular industries.