§ Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is his policy towards companies in receipt of public funds which refuse to enter into planning agreements.
§ Mr. KaufmanAs we said in the White Paper "The Regeneration of British Industry" financial assistance will continue to be available for companies not covered by planning agreements. The Government are not proceeding on the basis that companies will refuse to participate in the system.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will introduce legislation to provide for reserve powers to make planning agreements binding.
§ Mr. KaufmanAs we said in the White Paper "The Regeneration of British Industry" and in the discussion document on "The Contents of a Planning Agreement" a planning agreement will not be a civil contract enforceable by law but will represent a statement of firm intentions by both sides. The Government have no plans to introduce legislation to make agreements binding.