HC Deb 16 December 1982 vol 34 c214W
Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if, in view of the fall in the annual level of exports of the agricultural engineering industry, excluding tractors, to below the 1966 level and the doubling of agricultural machinery imports in the same period so that some major standard items in use in British agriculture and horticulture are only made abroad, he will take steps to reverse this trend.

Mr. Butcher

We much regret the trend of some machinery ceasing to be made in the United Kingdom and the substantial increase in imports, both of which are the result of commercial initiatives. The Government are encouraging industry to reverse this situation, through its support for innovation scheme, by giving industry grants of up to 33⅓ per cent. of the cost of modifying or developing new machinery.

Mr. Farr

asked the Secretary of State for Industry to what extent the West German and the Dutch Governments provide subsidies for testing services in their agriculture engineering industries which are not available to United Kingdom companies.

Mr. Butcher

I will reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.