§ Mr. Hindasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what consideration he gave to the effects on other laminate manufacturers in the United Kingdom when grants were awarded to Isola Werke A. G. of Duren, West Germany to establish a manufacturing facility at Cumbernauld; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what consideration he gave to the effects on other laminate manufacturers in the United Kingdom when grants were awarded to Les Techniques Industrial les Du Stratifie at Livingstone; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThe normal evaluation procedures relating to offers of regional selective assistance were carried out before grant was offered to the companies. These procedures include an evaluation of the likely effects of the proposed project on existing United Kingdom manufacturers of similar products. As well as consideration by my own officials, consultations were held with the relevant divisions of the Department of Trade and Industry. In both cases the conclusions reached were that the projects would strengthen manufacturing capability in the United Kingdom at the expense of imports.