§ 30. Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Industry what assessment he has made of the implications for Government policy towards development areas such as the North of England of the powers to assist industrial development which are sought by certain London boroughs under the Greater London Council (General Powers) Bill.
§ Mr. CryerThe Government are still currently considering the implications of the Greater London Council (General Powers) Bill as it now stands before Parliament following the petition by some London boroughs. The powers in it to assist industry go beyond those recommended in my right hon. Friend's report on the Bill and in the report by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment.
§ Mr. John Evansasked the Secretary of State for Industry what would be the 313W maximum amount of Government grant, under all headings, available to a firm moving into a freehold green field site with a £1 million development which would employ 100 persons (a) in a special development area, (b) in a development area, and (c) in an assisted area.
§ Mr. CryerIt is not possible to give a simple figure for each of the cases specified. Much will depend on the nature of the investment i.e. how much of £1 million represents expenditure on buildings, how much on plant and equipment and how much on working capital. In the assisted areas the appropriate rates of regional development grant described in Section 1 of the Industry Act 1972 would apply if the investment was made in respect of a qualifying activity. Regional selective assistance is discretionary and the amounts given will vary with the nature and locality of the project.
Other assistance, including for instance a removal grant, or a rent free period in a Government factory, might also be available depending on the circumstances of the case.