HC Deb 14 December 1979 vol 975 cc783-4W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how much Government money has been paid to Adamson Containers of Reddish, Stockport; and how much of that money would have to be repaid if the factory closed permanently.

Mr. David Mitchell

Government assistance has been given to Adamson Containers of Reddish, Stockport, under the Industry Act 1972 by way of regional development and interest relief grants. Although normally the amounts of grant causes, (b) non-natural causes and (c) suicide.

The Solicitor-General for Scotland

I do not have the figures prior to 15 May 1975 but the figures from that date are as follows:

paid are regarded as confidential between the applicant and the Department, the company has been consulted and has agreed to the disclosure of the following total amounts of grant paid:

Regional development grants £315,791
Interest Relief Grant £485,100
Conditions are attached to the payment of regional development grant which ensure that the grant becomes repayable in whole or in part if, within a period of four years, the premises concerned cease to be used wholly or mainly for qualifying activities or the asset ceases to be used there. The proportion of each grant that would have to be repaid if the factory in question closed permanently would normally relate to the period of eligible use and cannot therefore be assessed in advance. So far as interest relief grant is concerned, there are no equivalent conditions and although much would depend upon the circumstances, it is doubtful whether the grant would be repayable.