HC Deb 20 November 1997 vol 301 cc281-2W
21. Mr. Baldry

To ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the provisions of the concordat between Departments on inward investment.[15411]

Mr. Ian McCartney

Both the Scotland and Wales White Papers on Devolution indicated that there would be a concordat on financial assistance. We are currently preparing a concordat between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure that financial assistance to industry remains within common UK guidelines and consultation arrangements. It will address the concern that public money should not be used to finance competition between different parts of the country.

25. Mr. Evans

To ask the President of the Board of Trade what action she is taking to win fresh inward investment into the United Kingdom.[15417]

Mr. Ian McCartney

My Department's Invest in Britain Bureau will continue to promote the attractions of the UK for mobile international investment to consolidate our position as the number one location in Europe for inward investment. We have an enviable record and the Government are determined to maintain this in the face of increased competition from our European partners. We will pay particular attention to developing our skills base as well as consolidating the other attractions of the UK as an investment location.