§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Industry what aspects of Aberdeen's development status have already been downgraded, or will be downgraded, before 1st April 1978; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Industry on what date the change in development area status for Aberdeen came into effect.
§ Mr. CryerThe Aberdeen travel-to-work area was designated as an intermediate area as from 14th April 1977 but transitional arrangements provide that regional development grants will continue to be available on plant and machinery 383W provided before 1st April 1978 and that industrial development certificates will not be needed before that date. Similarly, selective financial assistance will in qualifying cases still be offered until 31st March 1978 at the level appropriate to a development area. Administrative arrangements are also being made for the other regional incentives.