HC Deb 08 May 1972 vol 836 cc256-7W
55. Mr. Skeet

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if, in view of the forecast, details of which are in his possession, by the Chemical Industries Association that there will be a continued decline in spending on chemical plant in 1973 and 1974, whether he will take steps designed to prevent this, in addition to the proposals in the Budget.

Mr. Anthony Grant:

A decline from the record 1970 level of investment is to be expected until the present considerable over-capacity worldwide is worked off, it affects mainly plant for basic chemicals. The Budget measures will gradually bring improvement to this sector, and I have no immediate plans for additional measures.