§ 21. Mr. Steeleasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications have been submitted under the Local Employment Act for assistance under Section 5; how many have been approved; how many have been completed; and what was the total sum granted.
§ Mr. LeburnTwenty applications have been submitted, of which 13 have so far been approved for grants totalling £123,000. Four others are under consideration. Work on two schemes is complete.
§ Mr. SteeleSurely this is a sorrowful story of dither and delay, and very little has, in fact, been done. Would not the Minister agree that more initiative is required from his Department to try to get local authorities to appreciate that many of these schemes should be carried 365 through if we are to bring industry to Scotland, and that it is important that suitable sites should be available, together with water and other facilities?
§ Mr. LeburnThe initiative here lies with the local authorities, and I should be very glad to consider more applications for these grants.
§ Mr. SteeleBut only two schemes have been completed. Why is this? Surely the delay is caused by the Department?
§ Mr. LeburnI am sure the hon. Gentleman will understand that many of these schemes involve large earth-moving works, and these take a considerable amount of time.