HC Deb 13 May 1981 vol 4 cc755-6
7. Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will publish his comments on the report which has been prepared on the re-assessment of the assisted area status in the areas covered by the Grampian region.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

My right hon. Friend is presently considering the report which we commissioned from consultants on the performance and prospect of industries in areas affected by oil developments, including Grampian region. The report and the Government's conclusions on it will be published in due course.

Mr. McQuarrie

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Is he aware that a further recent survey shows that there is considerable concern about the loss of employment in the old-established and indigenous industries in the Grampian area and that, in addition, there has been a direct loss of assisted area status? In considering the report, will he seriously consider the reinstatement of assisted area status, at least to the old-established and indigenous industries in the Grampian region, and particularly in my constituency of East Aberdeenshire?

Mr. Fletcher

I share my hon. Friend's concern for the economic health of the non-oil sector in Grampian. Although the prime purpose of the report is not related to the development area status of the region, it will nevertheless be useful to my right hon. Friend in coming to a decision about development area status there.

Mr. Myles

Further to what my hon. Friend the Member for Aberdeenshire, East (Mr. McQuarrie) said, may I ask my hon. Friend the Minister, in considering the report, to pay attention also to the indigenous industries in Banff, which have suffered considerably as a result of the activity of the oil-related industries?

Mr. Fletcher

I can give my hon. Friend that assurance.