§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he will list in the Official Report all the regional incentives and similar schemes operated by his Department in the last 10 years, indicating the dates of introduction, and where necessary the dates of termination, of these schemes.
§ Mr. Joel BarnettThe information is as follows
Contracts Preference Schemes for development areas—General Scheme introduced in 1934.—Special Scheme introduced in 1950.Tax allowances
There was no regional discrimination between 1966 and 1970. From 6th April 1970, 40 per cent, initial tax allowance was given on expenditure incurred on industrial buildings in development areas, intermediate areas or Northern Ireland. Initial allowance at this rate—since increased to 50 per cent.—was extended to expenditure in all areas from 22nd March 1972.100 per cent. initial tax allowance has been allowed on expenditure incurred on mining works in development areas or Northern Ireland from 27th October 1970. The rate for expenditure elsewhere is 40 per cent.100 per cent. first-year tax allowance was given on expenditure incurred on new machinery and plant—other than mobile equipment—for use for industrial purposes in development areas or Northern Ireland from 276W 27th October 1970. The requirement of use for industrial purposes was removed from 20th July 1971. The 100 per cent. first-year allowance was extended to expenditure on all other machinery and plant—except private motor cars—and to all other areas from 22nd March 1972.