§ Mr. Kaufmanasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will make a statement about the finance he is making available for the International Computers Limited project in West Gorton, Manchester, following, and to make up the shortfall from, his withdrawal of £1 ½ million in regional development grant from that project; if he will include in his statement the sum of money he is providing, whether it is in grant or loan form and, in the latter case, on what terms; and under what statute and arrangement the aid is forthcoming.
§ Mr. David MitchellMy right hon. Friend has offered ICL, under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972, a grant of 633W £3,772,000 towards the total cost of the redevelopment project at West Gorton, including expenditure on plant as well as on buildings. Details of the Department's negotiations with ICL and of the terms of the offer must remain confidential, as with all cases of financial assistance to companies, but I can confirm that the £3,772,000 takes account of the effect of the changes in regional policy announced in July.