HC Deb 18 January 1968 vol 756 cc674-5W
Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs what industries he has considered for special Government assistance by way of cheap electric power in development areas to avoid any risk of such industries leaving this country for countries where there is cheap power.

Mr. Dell:

In the announcement of the special electricity contracts on 4th October the Government made clear that they would be prepared to authorise access to those arrangements in cases of this kind where they considered it in the national interest. No such cases have since come forward.

Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs on what basis he is prepared to join in the financing of industries, other than aluminium smelting, using large quantities of electricity in development areas in this country.

Mr. Dell:

It is open to such industries to seek access to the special electricity contracts where their electricity demand is of the kind to which such contracts apply. Any proposal for Government financial participation in the development of these industries would be considered on its merits.

Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs which sites in development areas he has considered for joining in the financing of developments using cheap electricity in bulk.

Mr. Dell:

The only proposal made to the Government for such development relates to aluminium smelting and the Government are considering possible sites suggested by the companies concerned.

Mr. J. H. Osborn

asked the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs if he will list those industries, which are users of large blocks of electricity, and which it is Her Majesty's Government's policy to encourage by way of financial assistance and cheap power, to become established in development areas in this country.

Mr. Dell:

The Government are not proceeding on the basis of a list of industries. The Government has taken the initiative in defining the situations in which it would consider authorising access to the special electricity contracts in the national interest, so that a firm or industry which considers that it meets the requirements can put proposals to the Government.