§ Mr. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he will list the occasions on which he has declined the advice of the IDAB over assistance to companies.
§ Mr. Benn:As I have announced, offers of selective financial assistance contrary to the advice of IDAB have been made in the cases of the Meriden Co-operative, Scottish News Enterprises Ltd., Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd., Kirkby Manufacturing Co. Ltd., and Bear Brand Ltd. In the case of Alfred Herbert Ltd., no difference arose on the importance of assisting the business, but only on the best means of doing so.