§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Industry what measures he proposes to take to give effect to the decissions, announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 22nd July, to defer payment of regional development grants and to withdraw the mining and construction industries from eligibility for grant.
§ Mr. VarleyI am advised that all the decisions announced by my right hon. Friend are within the discreion which I have in relation to regional development grants under Section 1 of the Industry Act 1972. However, it would in my view be desirable to make an order in exercise of my powers under Sections 3(2) and 5(4) of the Act, excluding Orders II and XX, which cover mining, quarrying and 959W construction, from the list of activities which qualify premises for grant. The order will be laid as soon as possible. A more detailed description of the implementation of the measures is contained in an explanatory memorandum, which I have placed in the Library.