§ Mr. Leeasked the Secretary of State for Industry what consideration was given to the making of a planning agreement, and to the provision of the requisite financial assistance, under the terms of the Industry Acts 1972 and 1975, before a £5 million interim loan was approved for the Lonrho Group's takeover of Brentford Nylons; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. Alan WilliamsThe Government are always alert to situations where planning agreements might usefully be introduced, but the general plan is to phase the extension of the system with companies on a sector basis. The Government's objectives of saving the 1,800 jobs in special development areas have been met by the conclusion of the loan agreement the terms of which I have previously disclosed.