HC Deb 15 January 1974 vol 867 cc31-2W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the effect on his Department's capital and other expenditure within Scotland of the public spending cuts.

Mr. Anthony Grant

Forecasts of expenditure by DTI are prepared for Great Britain as a whole and separate figures for Scotland are not available. Regional expenditure under the Industry Act 1972, however, is expected to continue to build up in 1974–75 and this will benefit Scotland along with other assisted areas.

Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if any of the provisions of the Industry Act are affected by the Government's economic measures ; and if he will make a statement on the rate of inquiries by industrialists involving these provisions since the Chancellor's latest Budget Statement.

Mr. Anthony Grant

The powers in the Industry Act 1972 are principally for the benefit of the assisted areas and are not affected. As hitherto they will be available in appropriate cases.

Records are not maintained of the number of inquiries. Moreover, it is too soon to assess the rate of applications for regional development grants, selective assistance and shipbuilding credits and grants since my right hon. Friend's statement on 17th December.