HC Deb 16 April 1986 vol 95 c414W
Mr. Sackville

asked 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 Morrison

During 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.