§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if the proposed new economic development power will contain restrictions to prevent local authorities assisting in providing wages or salaries for staff in economic development projects.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyRestrictions on the use of the new power will be set out in regulations on which we shall consult local government. The Government do not believe that local authorities should be giving long-term direct subsidies to wages and salaries of private-sector firms.