§ Mr. Spriggsasked the Secretary of State for Industry what assistance is given to firms wishing to extend their business premises workshops, &c., in special development areas.
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§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieThe full range of regional incentives is available in special development areas. These include regional development grants at 22 per cent. towards capital expenditure providing. on premises used wholly or mainly on qualifying activities, for new buildings or works and adapting existing buildings, and for new plant and machinery; selective assistance under Section 7 of the Industry Act; Government factories and, in some cases, rent-free periods; and the regional employment premium. In addition, in his Budget Speech on 15th April, my right hon. Friend the Chancellor announced that the Government are introducing special schemes to encourage firms to bring forward some categories of investment and to help certain industries with modernisation plans.