HC Deb 18 June 1975 vol 893 cc465-6W
Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) what grants and loans have been given to industry (a) on Merseyside and (b) in Kirkby by the EEC since the date of Great Britain's membership;

(2) which firms on Merseyside have been the recipients of EEC loans and grants since Great Britain's membership.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

The European Investment Bank has made a loan of £220,000 to a company in Liverpool. The ECSC has made a reconversion load of £5.1 million under Article 56 of the Treaty of Paris to British Leyland for its development at Speke. FEOGA grants have been made to a dairy and to a meat-processing factory in Liverpool. It is not the practice to publish the amounts of individual FEOGA grants. No EIB or ECSC reconversion loans or FEOGA grants have been made to any firm in Kirkby. Figures for ECSC loans and grants other than reconversion loans and for grants from the European Social Fund are not available on a regional basis.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will detail those grants and loans currently being considered by the EEC to help industry on Merseyside; and what further steps are being taken to ensure that the region gets at least its fair share of the EEC resources for aid to industry and workers.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

I understand that one application from a company on Merseyside is currently under consideration by the European Investment Bank. I hope that companies in Merseyside will take full advantage of the financial facilities available to industry from the EEC.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he is satisfied that Merseyside has received sufficient help for its industry and its workers from EEC sources; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gregor Mackenzie

It is for industry to apply for the financial facilities available to industry from EEC sources. I hope that the number of applications will increase.

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