§ Mr. Hal Millerasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the maximum total of grants towards(a) buildings and (b) plant and machinery that a company seeking i o establish a large manufacturing plant in Wales may expect to receive from his Department, the Welsh Development Agency and local authorities.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsThe maximum grant available from my Department under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 would depend on a number of factors such as the location of the project, the number of jobs it would create, and the amount of assistance which the project could be expected to receive from other public sector sources. The Welsh Development Agency does not give grants towards the purchase of plant or buildings. Local authority powers to make such grants are bound by the provisions of the Inner Urban Areas Act 1978 and certain private Acts, where they apply. I understand that section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972 has also been used by some authorities for this and similar purposes. Local authority powers to assist industry are the subject of a current consultation paper.