§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how much start-up grant Siemens received for their plant in the North East. [55961]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe company has received £18 million Regional Selective Assistance from the offer of £30 million made in December 1995.
§ Mr. RedwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will seek repayment of start-up grant from Siemens following the planned closure of their plant in the North East. [55964]
§ Mr. MandelsonA decision was made not to clawback the Regional Selective Assistance grant immediately while officials worked with the company to find a buyer. If, however, we are unsuccessful in this, recovery of grant will be considered in the normal way.