§ Mr. Michael McGuireasked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps he has taken and what steps he intends to take to find an employer who will take over the former Thorn factory in Skelmersdale.
§ Mr. CryerThe Department continues to give Skelmersdale the highest priority in the steering of new mobile projects. Working closely with the Skelmersdale Development Corporation the Department brings the attention of industrialists to the availability in Skelmersdale of vacant site and factories, including the factory formerly used by Thorn Colour Tubes Limited.
§ Mr. Michael McGuireasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he wil give an assurance that it remains the policy of the Government to allow the former Thorn factory in Skelmersdale only to be used for manufacturing purposes.
§ Mr. CryerThis factory is owned by Thorn Colour Tubes Limited. Every effort will be made by this Department and the Skelmersdale Development Corporation to interest manufacturers in its use.
§ Mr. Michael McGuireasked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list in the Official Report the various types of Government grants, loans, tax concessions, etc. which are available to encourage manufacturers to move into the former Thorn factory in Skelmersdale.
§ Mr. CryerSkelmersdale New Town forms part of the Merseyside Special Development Area. As a result, the full range of regional industrial incentives—regional development grant, regional selective assistance and regional employment premium—is on offer to firms setting up or expanding there. Investment by a manufacturer would qualify for the normal first year allowance of 100 per cent. against corporation tax.