§ Mr. John Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the value to industry in Scotland of free depreciation for each year between April, 1963, and January, 1966, as compared with the amount received by industry in Scotland in investment grants for each year since January, 1966.
§ Mr. HigginsFree depreciation was available from 1963 to 1966 in respect of new immobile machinery and plant bought for industrial use in the former development districts. Figures for the value of free depreciation are not available for separate development districts or groups of development districts. The value of investment grants paid to eligible undertakings in the whole of Scotland in respect of machinery and plant, mining works and computers is as follows:
1966–67 1967–68 1968–69 1969–70 (Provisional) £ million £ million £ million £ million — 43.8 60.0 74.3