HC Deb 25 May 1988 vol 134 cc177-8W
Mr. Atkinson

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what assessment he has made of the implications for British industry of the clauses relating to joint ventures between Soviet and Western enterprises in the Soviet law on state enterprises which came into effect on 1 January.

Mr. Alan Clark

Soviet legislation permitting joint ventures with Western companies was introduced in January 1987 and amended in October 1987 to take account of some concerns expressed by potential Western participants. My Department and the British embassy in Moscow both constantly monitor the available information and provide advice to United Kingdom companies considering the possibility of joint ventures with a Soviet partner. It is for individual companies themselves to decide whether joint ventures are in their best commercial interests, and to negotiate terms which are acceptable to

Mr. Atkins

Expenditure on regional development grant in the areas and financial years requested was as follows:

both partners. So far, two United Kingdom companies have signed such contracts, and several more are under active discussion.