67. Mr. Bob Brownasked the First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will increase Government investment in the engineering, electrical, metal goods and metal manufacture industries in the Northern Region so as to enable more scientists and technologists to be employed in them, thus correcting the imbalance against the numbers employed nationally in these industries.
§ Mr. ShoreIn the development areas, including the Northern region, investment grants of 45 per cent. are at present payable for capital expenditure used by manufacturing industries and in scientific research and development related to these industries. Additional loan or grant assistance can also be given to projects, including research and development projects, which are expected to provide new jobs, subject to the recommendation of an independent advisory committee.