§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for Energy what was the extent of the financial assistance provided for the reconstruction of the Flixborough cuprolactam plant; and what are the financial consequences of the closure of the plant.
§ Mr. MacGregorI have been asked to reply.
Financial assistance in the form of an interest relief grant under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 and regional development grant under the Industry Act 1972 amounting to £2,030,968 was provided for the reconstruction of this plant. The proportion of grant which would have to be paid were the plant closed would relate to the period of eligible use and therefore cannot be assessed in advance. It is not possible to state what the financial consequences would be for the owners of the plant in the event of its closure.