HC Deb 18 July 1979 vol 970 cc725-6W
Mr Molyneaux

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, with reference to the changes in regional industrial policy announced for Great Britain, what proposals, if any, relating to Northern Ireland he has to make; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Humphrey Atkins

The Government will continue to give the highest priority to the encouragement of sound projects providing employment in Northern Ireland. To this end the financial assistance available towards industrial investment, whether in entirely new projects or expansion by existing industry, will remain the most competitive in the United Kingdom.

I have no proposals to change the forms of assistance available or the levels at which it can be provided. Thus, grants of up to 50 per cent., according to location, will continue to be available for approved projects and Government factory building will continue. I have, however, initiated a review of the assistance available, to ensure that it represents the most effective instrument for our purposes and that we are getting full value for the resources available.