§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will estimate the value of assistance provided from all sources for which he has responsibility to British industry since 1979.
§ Mr. ButcherBetween 1 April 1979 and 31 March 1985 the total forecast net expenditure of the Department of Trade and Industry and the Export Credits Guarantee Department is approximately £17.6 billion at 1984–85 prices. £16.6 billion of this may be broadly described as direct or indirect assistance to industry, with the remaining £1.0 billion providing for regulatory activities, consumer protection and administrative expenses.