§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Industry what grants are available in the other EEC countries to regions comparable to the special development areas in the United Kingdom; and whether he is satisfied that the United Kingdom grants are adequate to attract industry when compared to those available in other EEC countries.
§ Mr. CryerMy right hon. Friend has no responsibility for the grants and financial incentives which may be available in other EEC countries, but those provided in regions which are comparable with our special development areas are subject to158W the same Community ceilings on capital aids.
While the main factor determining firms' decisions to invest in the United Kingdom is their assessment of their ability to conduct a successful enterprise here, the grants and other advantages available in the United Kingdom assist in attracting industry. I have no reason to believe that they are any less effective than those in other EEC countries. General aid systems are subject to approval by the EEC Commission.
§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the amount given by his Department to the North-West intermediate development area and the amount given to the Yorkshire and Humberside Development Area in the current year.
§ Mr. CryerAssistance has been made available under the Industry Act 1972 as follows in the period 1st January 1977 to 30th September 1977.
Regional Development Grant (Part 1 of the Industry Act) Area Payments (£000) North-West Intermediate 8,131 Yorkshire & Humberside Development 1,841
Regional Selective Assistance (Section 7, Part II of the Industry Act) Area Offers No. Amount (£000) North-West Intermediate 174 8,455 Yorkshire & Humberside Development 23 506
Selective Financial Assistance (Section 8, Part II of the Industry Act) Area Offers No. Amount (£000) North-West Intermediate 40 303 Yorkshire & Humberside Development 4 1,154
Assistance to Shipbuilding Industry (Part III of the Industry Act) Area Offers No. Amount (£000) Yorkshire & Humberside Development 1 12
§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will publish in the Official Report a table 159W showing the amounts of money given to the North-East Development Council, the North-West Industrial Development Association and the Yorkshire and Humberside Development Association by both
Government Grant 1977–78 Local Authority contribution (estimate for 1977–78) Unemployed in SDA and DA of Region April 1977 £ £ North of England Development Council … 250,000 201,794 105,137 North West Industrial Development Association … 135,000 76,000 79,267 Yorkshire and Humberside Development Association 30,000 93,430 21,131 The Government grant is related to the unemployment in the SDA or DA only.