§ 31. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Industry, Trade and Regional Development if he will give the names of the firms who, during the past 12 months, have received financial assistance from Her Majesty's Government by way of grants or loans of £250,000 or more; and how many firms have been refused such assistance for sums up to £250,000.
§ Mr. HeathDuring the past 12 months 23 firms have been offered assistance of £250,000 or more either by way of loan and grant assistance under Section 4 of the Local Employment Act,208W 1960, or by way of grants for building and for plant and machinery. During the same period 358 firms have been offered and 169 firms have been refused such assistance for sums up to £250,000. I cannot disclose the names of the firms concerned.