§ Mr. Ovendenasked the Secretary of State for Industry what proposals he has to extend or replace the current scheme of investment grants to the paper and board industry after the present scheme closes on 30th June; and if he will take account in any future scheme of the need to assist with the capital costs of waste paper collection schemes and to introduce a lower threshold for qualifying schemes in general.
§ Mr. CryerMy right hon. Friend has no current plans to extend or replace the £23 million scheme of financial assistance for the paper and board industry beyond 30th June 1978. The Paper and Board Sector Working Party has recommended404W that similar assistance towards capital costs should be provided for the expansion of waste paper collection. This is being considered. The thresholds for schemes, as expressed by the minimum costs of projects which qualify for support, are determined individually for each scheme in relation to its particular objectives and it is not proposed to introduce lower thresholds in general.