HC Deb 18 May 1981 vol 5 cc19-20W
Mr. Hawksley

asked the Secretary of State for Industryhow many applications under the clothing scheme are still in dispute and how many were outstanding at the expiry of the scheme; what funds are still allocated for meeting any claims resulting from outstanding applications; and what was the comparable figure at 30 April 1980.

Mr. MacGregor

At 30 March 1981, the latest date for submission of applications for final payment under the provisions of the clothing scheme, 63 applications were still under consideration by the Department.

There is only one case in which the Department's final decision, taken in the full knowledge of all the relevant facts, has been the subject of continuing challenge.

Payments of some £13.4 million out of a total commitment of almost £21 million had been made by 30 March 1981, leaving adequate funds to meet outstanding commitments. By 30 April 1980 payments of just over £11 million had been made against the same total commitment of almost £21 million.