HC Deb 22 October 1998 vol 317 cc1173-4W
Mr. Redwood

To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what is the Government's policy on repayment of start-up grant when companies close within five years of opening. [55962]

Mr. Mandelson

All offers of Regional Selective Assistance grant require the beneficiaries to accept terms and conditions under which we may vary, withhold or seek repayment of grant in circumstances where the project under-achieves. Normal policy is to clawback or withhold on a pro-rate basis to the progress achieved.