asked the Secretary of State for Industry what further investment plans he has for (a) Merseyside, (b) Kirkby and (c) Ormskirk; and how many jobs will be created.

The following offers of regional selective assistance have been made under Section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 from its commencement until 28th February 1977. About half the total value of the offers has been paid to date. The jobs associated with the offers are expected to be created in the period up to 1980. The offers exclude assistance to the shipbuilding industry.

		Offers	Estimated new employment
		£000
Merseyside	…	21,748	13,500
Kirkby	…	1,428	1,875
Ormskrik	…	78	95

Applications for assistance were still under consideration on 28th February 1977 as follows:

		Value	Estimated new employment
		£000
Merseyside	…	1,740	800
Kirkby	…	249	90
Ormskrik	…	—	—

New employment also arises on projects offered assistance under the accelerated projects and selective investment schemes authorised under Section 8 of the Act and in receipt of regional development grant paid under Part 1 of the Act.