§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Industry what grants are being provided by his Department in connection with the Esso ethylene plant at Moss Morran, Fife; what steps he is taking to ensure that British process plant fabricating companies receive the orders in connection with this project; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregor[pursuant to his reply, 6 May 1981, cols. 85–6]: No grants have yet been given for this project. Regional development grant may become payable but it is not yet possible to estimate the amount of assistance for which the project may qualify. All payments of regional development grant of £25,000 or more are published quarterly in "British Business". The Department has maintained close contact with Esso to ensure that British firms have had full and fair opportunities to compete, but the final decision on the placing of orders must rest on Esso's commercial judgment.