§ Lord Bruce-Gardyneasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the duration of the transitional arrangements under which investment in plant and machinery is eligible for regional development 1145WA grants at former rates after such rates, and the definition of the areas to which such rates apply, have been changed.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Cockfield)Paragraphs 46 and 47 of the White Paper,Regional Industrial Development, which was published on 13th December 1983, described the transitional arrangements which the Government intend will apply as a result of the introduction in the autumn of the proposed new regional development grant scheme and of possible changes in assisted areas. The transitional arrangements will apply to all eligible assets (plant, buildings, machinery and works). In substance, the arrangements are that regional development grant will continue to be available on the basis of the present scheme and map on expenditure defrayed and assets provided up to the start of the new scheme. Thereafter, grant will continue to be available under the terms of the present scheme towards assets provided in the subsequent 12 months. In addition regional development grant will remain available on the basis of the present scheme and map for projects where an application for selective assistance was made before 31st January 1984 and an offer of such assistance is made before the start of the new regional development grant scheme.