§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Industry what financial support from public funds has been provided to date for International Property Development Ltd. in respect of its operations at Kirkby, Lancashire; what discussions he has had with the management and employees of this concern; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BennInternational Property Development Industrial Ltd. has received regional development grants under Part I of the Industry Act in the normal way. The company also applied for selective assistance under Part II of the Industry Act for its operations at Kirkby but after detailed discussions with the company the Government decided not to offer assistance. I have since had discussions with the representatives of the workforce and have offered to undertake in co-operation 11W with them a feasibility study to find ways and means by which employment could be maintained on a long-term basis. This study is now beginning.