HC Deb 14 June 1967 vol 748 cc73-4W
23. Mr. Hall-Davis

asked the President of the Board of Trade what is his estimate of expenditure by industry in each quarter from April, 1966 to April, 1967 which qualified for investment grant; and what was the proportion of that expenditure falling within development areas.

Mr. Jay

Investment qualifying for grant was approximately £300 million in the second quarter of 1966; £325 million in the third quarter; £350 million in the fourth quarter; and £300 million in the first quarter of 1967. Probably about a fifth of this expenditure fell in development areas.

86. Mr. Costain

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that claims for investment grants must be certified by an independent accountant, that the accountant is required to certify that the expenditure for which grant is claimed is in accordance with explanatory notes prepared by his Department and that accountants are unable to obtain these notes because they are in short supply; and if he will take steps to ensure that claims for grants are not held up for this reason.

Mr. Darling

There is no shortage of explanatory notes. Applicants are always provided with them and additional copies are immediately available on request from the Investment Grants Offices.