§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Industry what Government assistance is available under the Industry Acts or other powers to Lyons Maid, Liverpool, to maintain its factory in Liverpool; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregor:Selective financial assistance is available under the Industry Act for viable investment projects which will create or maintain jobs in designated assisted areas. Liverpool is in the Merseyside special development area, and any application for selective assistance would be considered on its merits. To date no such application has been received. The company might be eligible for assistance under the temporary short time working compensation scheme, but that is a matter for it to decide. The decision to close is one which is properly within the commercial judgment of the company.