§ Mr. Batisteasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much was spent on regional development grant in each of the past three years; and if he will estimate the number of jobs created thereby and the average cost per job.
§ Mr. TrippierIn each of the past three financial years the amount spent on regional development grant was:
£ million 1980–81 490.5 1981–82 616.8 1982–83 689.6 Regional development grant is paid in respect of capital investment and applicants for RDG are not required to demonstrate that the investment leads to the creation of jobs, although it will do so in many instances. The information on which to base the estimates requested is therefore not available.