§ Mr. Hefferasked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he is taking to ensure that those parts of the furniture industry in the North-West which have received substantial Government support, such as Schreiber Ltd., continue to employ their staff fully.
§ Mr. David MitchellAs far as assistance under the Government's regional policy is concerned, regional development grants are payable automatically for expenditure on qualifying assets within the assisted areas and are not specifically linked to the preservation or creation of jobs. Selective assistance under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 is provided for projects which create or safeguard employment in the assisted areas and meet the criteria for such assistance. Projects which have been offered assistance under section 7 are monitored and the Department has to be satisfied that the terms and conditions of the offer are met before payments of grant are made.