§ Mr. Parkasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) how many inquiries his Department has received from industrial companies for industrial development certificates in the Coventry area since January 1975:
(2) what efforts have been made to encourage industrial firms to establish themselves in the Coventry area since January 1975; and with what effect;
121W(3) how many new industrial enterprises have been established in the Coventry area since January 1975; and how many job opportunities were so created.
§ Mr. CryerSince January 1975 no industrial development certificates have been refused in the Coventry area and 29 have been granted for projects estimated to provide 1,270 additional jobs. This figure does not take account of employment provided by firms setting up or expanding their operations in existing premises or new buildings below the IDC exemption limit, for which I regret that comprehensive up-to-date information is not available. Industry in Coventry is eligible for assistance under the various national schemes to promote investment and to help particular industries. Under these schemes, over £900,000 has been offered to firms in the Coventry travel-to-work area. In addition, the Government have provided substantial assistance to firms of importance to Coventry such as British Leyland, Chrysler and Alfred Herbert, in order to safeguard employment.