§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Industry what is the regional breakdown of the product and process development scheme in members and financial assistance.
§ Mr. CryerThe following schedule gives a breakdown of the total number of offers made and the potential financial assistance which they represent at 31st May 1978:
Region Offer made Potential financial contribution £(000s) London and South East 10 961.6 West Midlands 2 34.3 Northern 4 177.8 Yorkshire and Humberside 3 188.5 East Midlands 2 64.8 South West 2 70.4 North West 1 40.4 Eastern 2 76.7 Scotland 1 20.0 London and South East/North West Collaborative 1 36.0 Total 28 1,670.5
§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Industry how many grants have been made under the product and process development scheme instituted by his Department in July 1977.
§ Mr. CryerAt 31st May 1978 a total of 43 projects had been approved and 28 offers of grant already made to companies under the product and process development scheme which represented potential financial assistance to industry628W of £2.5 million and £1.7 million respectively.
§ Mr. Dudley Smithasked the Secretary of State for Industry whether he is satisfied that the product and process development scheme instituted by his Department is working satisfactorily; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CryerThe product and process development scheme was announced less than a year ago. As with all projects of this nature, there was an initial familiarisation period during which some delays inevitably occurred. The position is now much improved, but nevertheless my Department is continuing to keep a close watch on its progress.