§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what criteria the Government apply for the approval of local authority schemes to provide finance for industrial investment in areas outside the assisted regions or the inner cities; what steps they take to investigate and sanction such schemes; what powers they have in respect of such schemes; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Guy BarnettLocal authorities can provide finance for industrial investment under a number of powers. However, all such schemes fall within the locally determined sector and as such are not subject to approval by my right hon. Friend.