§ Mr. Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Industry what steps are being taken 591W by his Department to stimulate investment in the cotton and allied sector of the textile industry.
§ Mr. Les Huckfield:Investment assistance for manufacturing industry, including the cotton and allied sector of the textile industry, is made available by the Department of Industry mainly under the Industry Act 1972 by way of regional development grants, regional selective financial assistance and the selective investment scheme.
Between 1st April 1974 and 30th September 1978 the cotton and allied textile industry—broadly defined as spinning and weaving on the cotton, flax or linen system—has been offered selective financial assistance worth just under £9 million under the Industry Act 1972 towards projects worth over £89 million. In the 12 months ended 30th September 1978 £3.5 million has been offered associated with projects worth over £26 million. Similar information is not available for the amount of assistance paid by way of regional development grant. The textile industry as a whole has been paid a total of over £46 million in regional development grants between 1st April 1974 and 30th September 1978, of which about £9.6 million was paid in the 12 months ended 30th September 1978.