HC Deb 08 March 1982 vol 19 cc318-20W
Mr. Mudd

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if the inquiries handled by the South-West industrial development office regarding possible industrial activity in Falmouth, Penryn, Camborne, Redruth and Hayle indicate a growing interest on the part of incoming enterprises; and, if not, if he will initiate action to stimulate greater interest.

Mr. MacGregor

The general level of inquiries of an industrial and commercial nature received by the South-West industrial development office has increased significantly from just under 800 in 1980 to 1020 in 1981. The trend is continuing so far this year. I am satisfied that the promotional effort and the incentives available for potential new investors are playing their part in stimulating interest in these areas.

Mr. Mudd

asked the Secretary of State for Industry if he will list, according to location, size and date of construction, factory space currently unoccupied in Falmouth, Penryn, Camborne, Redruth and Hayle.

Mr. MacGregor

The required details in respect of factories provided by the English Industrial Estates Corporation are given in the table below. Comparable information in respect of private and local authority factory space is not readily available.

EIEC Factories unoccupied (as at 31 December 1981)
Location Factories Month and Year of Construction
Units Square Metres
Penryn 1* 912 November

1976
13 930 September

1981
Camborne 1 8,355 March 1963
1 4,473 May 1968
1* 257 June 1979
Redruth (Praze) 1* 51 April 1981
1 152 April 1981
Hayle 1 258 July 1977
Falmouth 1 2,090 July 1976
* Factories reserved.

Mr. Mudd

asked the Secretary of State for Industry what schemes of assistance are available for starter businesses in the West Cornwall special development area; and if he will list them.

Mr. MacGregor

Following is the information:

  1. (i) Regional development grant at 22 per cent. of qualifying expenditure;
  2. (ii) Regional selective assistance under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972;
  3. (iii) the loan guarantee scheme for small businesses;
  4. (iv) European Investment Bank loans and the exchange risk guarantee scheme;
  5. (v) loans from the Council for Small Industries in Rural Areas (COSIRA);
  6. (vi) the product and process development scheme;
  7. (vii) the young workers scheme;
  8. (viii) the business start-up scheme;
  9. (ix) provision of factories and workshops by English Industrial Estates;
  10. (x) financial assistance towards capital expenditure on individual tourism projects under section 4 of the Development of Tourism Act 1969.

Support is also available from the small company innovation fund and Oakwood loan finance schemes of the British Technology Group.

In addition general advice and information for those thinking of starting in business is provided by the Department of Industry's small firms service which also offers a counselling facility; COSIRA also has an advisory service and runs courses for training in crafts; and for tourism projects the English Tourist Board provides a promotional and publicity service.

Information and advice is also available from the West Cornwall Enterprise Trust, the Cornwall county council industrial liason centre and industrial development office and from private sector bodies.