§ Mr. Jack ThompsonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the Government grants available to the clothing industry in areas with full development and intermediate development status.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe clothing industry is eligible for a range of Government assistance which is available to firms through my Department in development and intermediate areas, namely, regional selective assistance, and in development areas (as from 1 April 1988) investment and innovation grants for firms with fewer than 25 employees. (Until 31 March 1988 firms in development areas may apply for regional development grant.)
In addition, the clothing industry is able to benefit from assistance which is available on a national basis under the enterprise initiative: grants towards consultancy under the business development initiatives (available at a higher rate in assisted and urban programme areas); and support for exporting, collaborative research, and partnerships between manufacturing companies and higher education institutions.