asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether his Department has any plans to offer capital investment grants or low interest loans to non-European Economic Community companies wishing to set up in British free port zones.

No. The Government made it clear from the start that it had no financial commitment to the free ports other than the customs staff involved with them. Businesses setting up in free ports may of course be eligible to incentives as a result of the application of other Government policies, for example regional assistance.