§ Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment what are his proposals for removing the current restrictions which apply to certain local authorities in the exercise of their economic development powers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryI have today laid before the House new regulations which will have the effect of removing from 1 April 1995 the current £10,000 limit on the amount of financial assistance which certain local authorities are able to provide to individual businesses each year under their economic development powers. All local authorities in England will now be free to decide, having regard to all their local circumstances including the resources available to them, the amount of any financial assistance which they provide to businesses.