HC Deb 21 October 1969 vol 788 cc194-5W
55. Miss Devlin

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether, prior to making available loans of public money, and before offering special inducements to industries moving to, or active in development areas, consideration is given to the financial standing and previous trading history of each firm.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

Applications for loans and grants under Section 4 of the Local Employment Act 1960 and most applications for building grants are referred to the Board of Trade Advisory Committee, which investigates the financial standing of the firms concerned. The financial standing of firms which seek to rent Board of Trade factories is investigated by the Industrial Estates Corporations. No such investigation is made in relation to investment grants.

56. Miss Devlin

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether assessment is made of the labour relations record of companies seeking public funds and special facilities in development areas.

Mrs. Gwyneth Dunwoody

Only where it might be relevant to the investigation of the financial standing and prospects of firms seeking assistance under the Local Employment Acts. No such investigation is made in relation to investment grants.