HC Deb 27 July 1979 vol 971 c605W
Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for Industry how much new equipment has been installed at Plessey, Edge Lane, Liverpool, over the past five years financed partially or in full via Government grants; and if he is satisfied that the plant is currently in use.

Mr. David Mitchell

No selective financial assistance has been given to Plessey Telecommunications Ltd. at Liverpool during the past five years. Payments of regional development grant during that period totalled £696,210 (£434,248 in respect of plant and machinery and £261,962 in respect of buildings and works). The grants were made subject to conditions which required the company to notify the Department if the grant-aided assets were not brought into use or ceased to be used on the premises and which impose upon the grantee an obligation to repay the grant in whole or in part if either of these events occur. The Department has had no grounds for believing that grants were improperly paid and no information to suggest that the company have failed to comply with the terms of the conditions but the matter will be investigated.