HC Deb 10 February 1975 vol 886 cc64-5W
Mr. David Steel

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will consider seeking to amend the provisions of the Industry Act 1972 to enable regional development grants to apply to abattoirs.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

This matter has been considered on several occasions but I regret to say that our view is that an enlargement of the scheme in this way could not be justified. The general purpose of the Industry Act 1972 is to encourage investment in manufacturing industries and the like and to exclude agricultural and distributive activities.