HC Deb 09 June 1978 vol 951 c263W
Mr. Joseph Dean

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what has been the response to the non-ferrous foundry industry scheme.

Mr. Alan Williams

Up to 2nd June 179 applications for assistance had been received. Of these, 17 have been rejected and 15 have been withdrawn. The remaining 147 applications relate to projects estimated to cost some £62 million and involving potential assistance of £13.6 million. In addition, some 40 companies have held discussions with the Department and these are expected to submit formal applications in the near future. This response, from about one-third of the companies in the industry, demonstrates the effectiveness of the scheme in promoting a significant programme of investment over the next three years.