HC Deb 02 April 1979 vol 965 cc489-90W
Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if, as part of the development of the industrial strategy, he will improve the Government's collection of data relating to the activities of multinational companies, both British and foreign-owned.

Mr. Les Huckfield

Much of the data required from multinational companies is necessarily collected on a voluntary basis because it falls outside the categories about which information can be collected on a statutory basis listed in the schedule to the Statistics of Trade Act 1947 and its subsequent amendment. Within these limitations improvements to the data collected are continually sought.

If my hon. Friend has a particular area in mind I shall be pleased to hear from him.

wall development area currently exceeds, or is less than, the national per capita average in respect of his Department.

Mr. Les Huckfield

The average of assistance paid in the period from 1 March 1974 to 31 January 1979 under sections 7 and 8 of the Industry Act 1972, together with associated regional development grant, per capita of employees in employment as at June 1978, is as follows. Only assistance under section 8 is offered on a national basis.

Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list what information is available from Government sources relating to the current investment, pricing policies, exports and imports of multinational companies both British and foreign-owned.

Mr. Les Huckfield

The available statistical information relates to direct investment overseas by United Kingdom companies other than oil companies, and in foreign controlled United Kingdom concerns other than oil and insurance. Information is also available of United Kingdom exports of such concerns and on investment in foreign controlled oil companies. The latest figures for direct investment are published inTrade and Industry of 23 March 1979; for exports, in tables 6.2–6.4 of "Business Monitor", M4 1976 "Overseas Transactions"; and for oil investments in table 8.6 of United Kingdom Balance of Payments 1967–77.