asked the Secretary of State for Industry if it is the policy of Her Majesty's Government to grant financial assistance to companies wishing to move existing production, administrative or technical facilities to the various development areas when such relocation is certain to produce a reduction in employment within that company.

[pursuant to his reply, 27 April 1982, c. 242]: Assistance may be provided to companies wishing to relocate existing facilities where they decide to move to an assisted area. Such assistance is given under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 subject to the requirements set out there. All applications for selective financial assistance are carefully considered in relation to the net benefit to the United Kingdom that can be expected from the project.