§ Mr. Steenasked the Secretary of State for Industry when the regional employment premium to manufacturing industries in development areas like Merseyside was withdrawn; when manufacturers were notified that the Government intended to withdraw the premium; and what incentives are to be offered to manufacturers in its place.
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§ Mr. CryerThe order withdrawing REP came into operation on 1st January 1977 and provides that no payments are to be made in respect of employment after 2nd January 1977. The decision to withdraw REP was announced on 15th December 1976 and the details were given in my right hon. Friend the Chief Secretary's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Southampton, Test (Mr. Gould) on 22nd December.—[Vol. 923, c. 223.] All those in receipt of REP have been sent a notice about the arrangements. In place of REP, an additional £80 million has been allocated for expenditure in each of the next two years on selective assistance to industry, and the temporary employment subsidy and the job creation schemes have been extended for a further period.