§ Dr. Summerskillasked the Secretary of State for Industry what help he has given and what help he proposes to give to the carpet industry in view of the effect of the importing of carpets from Belgium and the United States and other problems facing the industry.
§ Mr. MacGregorSelective financial assistance in the form of grants has been made available to companies in the carpet industry under sections 7 and 8 of the Industry Act 1972. In the period from May 1979 to November434W 1981, 35 offers totalling £1.9 million have been made. The figures include section 7 assistance to companies in Wales and Scotland, which is the responsibility of the Secretaries of State for Wales and Scotland respectively. I have no plans to introduce a specific sectoral scheme under section 8. Information relating to regional development grants to companies in the carpet industry is not readily available and cannot be provided without disproportionate cost.