§ 23. Mr. Stanleyasked the Secretary of State for Industry what were the particular grounds for making a grant to the Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering 381W Co-operative under the Industry Act; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennThe Government decided to provide a grant because they have confidence in the workers at Kirkby who, after the failure of the five previous private owners to provide continuing employment, expressed their readiness to assume responsibility for the success of the enterprise, to maintain jobs in an area of unacceptably high and persistent unemployment and submitted plans to do so.
§ Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the forward order book for each category of product manufactured at Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Company Limited; what is the expected net profit before tax on each category; and what percentage of each category will be exported.
§ Mr. HefferIt is not the practice to disclose information as to the commercial affairs of companies applying for selective assistance.
§ Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will publish the balance sheet of Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Company as at 15th January 1975, showing the return on capital employed, including public funds.
§ Mr. HefferNo. Kirkby Manufacturing and Engineering Ltd. is, however, subject to the usual Companies Act requirements as to the filing of accounts.