§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for Industry if it is the policy of his Department to assist foreign companies to set up manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom in sectors where existing manufacturers can meet total market demand and have spare capacity.
§ Mr. David Mitchell[pursuant to his reply, 16 June 1980, c. 388]: It is the policy of the Government to encourage investment in industrial, commercial and research activities in the United Kingdom by home and foreign-owned companies. Regional development grants are available to manufacturing enterprises in the assisted areas, regardless of the nationality of ownership. Selective financial assistance is provided in certain cases, where the new investment brings particular economic benefits. In assessing such benefits, the possible displacement effects on existing British enterprises are taken into account.