§ 19. Mr. Hefferasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is his present policy towards worker co-operatives, especially in view of the recent refusal to give further financial assistance to one of the present co-operatives.
§ Mr. CryerAs evidenced by the Government's support and provision of a Money Resolution last Session for the Industrial Common Ownership Act, we are very sympathetic to the development of worker controlled producer cooperatives. So far as selective financial assistance is concerned the Government's approach is to apply the same basic criteria to workers co-operatives as to all other applicants. With regard to the instance referred to by my hon. Friend the question of assistance is the subject of a detailed examination as explained by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 10th January 1977.—[Vol. 923, c. 1045–51.]