HC Deb 31 July 1974 vol 878 cc369-70W
Mr. Anthony Grant

asked the Secre-of State for Industry if he will set out in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of those cases in which the Government gave aid under the Industry Act contrary to the advice of the Industrial Advisory Board and the Regional Advisory Boards and explain the reasons of the Government for so doing.

Mr. Heffer

The Meriden Co-operative and the Workers' Action Committee proposal for a Scottish daily newspaper are the only cases put for advice to the Industrial Development Advisory Board where the Government have concluded that wider national considerations outweigh the board's view that the schemes are unviable. The latter is also considered unviable by the Scottish Industrial Development Board, which is the only instance where a regional board's advice has not been accepted. Offers of assistance have been made to both.