asked the Secretary of State for Industry what proposals the Government have considered for the reduction or abolition of financial assistance for regional development under Section 7 of the Industry Act 1972; from whom they were received; and if any such changes are still under consideration.

There have been no general proposals to reduce or abolish selective financial assistance under Section 7 of the Industry Act 1972. One proposal to withdraw temporarily Section 7 assistance from a particular sector of industry—isoglucose manufacture—has been received from the Commission of the EEC and has been accepted, and the Commission is considering making a further proposal relating to milk products.