§ Mr. Merchantasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much Government financial assistance has been given to all industry in the north-east of England in the last 10 years to offset working losses.
§ Mr. ButcherNo financial assistance is given to industry for the purpose of offsetting working losses but, in considering the external financing limits of public sector industry forecast cash flow, taking account of any losses is an important factor.
§ Mr. Merchantasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much public capital has been invested over the last 10 years in the north-east of England, in the following industries (a)coal mining, (b)shipbuilding, (c)steel and (d)other.
§ Mr. ButcherFinancial assistance given in the north-east region since 1972, under the Industry Act 1972 and the Industrial Development Act 1984, has amounted to around £1,380 million.
Information on investment in the region by British Shipbuilders and the British Steel Corporation is not readily available, but I shall write to my hon. Friend.
Public investment in the coal industry is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy.