§ Mr. Spenceasked the Secretary of State for Industry (1) whether it is the policy of his Department to delay the payment of regional development grants for four months from the date of approval; how long it takes for payment to be made; what is the average time taken; and if he will make a statement.
(2) what is the average length of time taken by his Department to approve a regional development grant; what is the maximum and minimum time taken; and if he will make a statement
§ Mr. David MitchellThe decision to defer payment of approved grant for four months was announced in the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Budget speech of 12 June 1979.—[Vol. 968, c. 247.]
Information about the maximum and minimum time taken to deal with grant applications is not available. But an estimate based on the number of applications outstanding for examination and the rate at which cases are decided indicates that the average time between receipt of an application and payment of grant is about three months plus the four months' deferment period. The time taken to deal with applications has recently fallen. The administration of the scheme has been reviewed by a team under Sir Derek Rayner. Changes in procedures which they recommended and which are now being implemented should further improve the efficiency with which applications for grant are handled. I shall continue to keep a close watch on the situation.