§ Mr. Michael Lathamasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he is making in regularising the overseas role of the Location of Offices Bureau, following the discovery that existing powers were legally inadequate; and what was the total level of extra-legal expenditure so far incurred.
Mr. BarnettMy right hon. Friend has decided that legislation is necessary to enable the bureau to attract overseas firms to locate offices in the United Kingdom. It would be our intention to introduce a Bill for the purpose early in the next Parliament. The bureau was instructed to cease expenditure on unauthorised activities immediately the Department became aware of the defect in their powers. A total unauthorised expenditure of £35,446 was incurred.