§ Mr. Sackvilleasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the level of grant aid to the textile industry during the last 12 months.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonDuring the financial year 1985–86 the textile industry in Great Britain was offered £7 million under regional selective assistance and £2 million under support for innovation and was paid £1 million under the new-style regional development grant. Other figures for 1985–86 are not available, but during the period April to December 1985 the industry in Great Britain were paid £3 million under the old-style regional development grant. During the latter period offers of aid to the textile industry in Northern Ireland amounted to £15 million. These figures exclude offers and payments to firms in the clothing industry.