HC Deb 16 May 1984 vol 60 cc355-6
12. Mr. Malone

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the latest available figures for inward investment in the Grampian region.

Mr. Allan Stewart

Detailed figures are not available, but Grampian region has benefited substantially from inward investment, particularly in oil and oil-related activities. Although some of these investment decisions were influenced by the efforts of "Locate in Scotland", in close co-operation with the regional authority, most were determined purely by market opportunity without specific Government assistance.

Mr. Malone

Does my hon. Friend agree that further inward investment in the Grampian region in connection with the offshore oil industry will be dependent upon the tax structure applied within the North sea? Will he join me in welcoming for Scotland, and for Grampian in particular, what has occurred in the Budget in encouraging offshore investment and continue to make representations in that connection?

Mr. Allan Stewart

My hon. Friend is right in emphasising that the changes introduced in the fiscal regime and the announcements by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Energy have resulted in a favourable outlook for the oil industry and related activities.

Mr. Bruce

Will the Minister acknowledge that, in the north-east of Scotland, or in Scotland as a whole, we have not had the full benefit of inward investment that we could have had, and that, where we have investment from overseas we are not strong enough in ensuring, where possible, British participation so as to develop our export markets, using British technology rather than short-term foreign investment? Will he encourage his right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry to ensure that there is more British participation in new manufacturing investment related to offshore technology?

Mr. Allan Stewart

I am not sure that I quite followed what the hon. Gentleman was saying. I believe that Scotland has been, and is, extremely successful in getting inward investment. That applies to the north-east as it does to the central belt of Scotland. The hon. Gentleman will be aware of what my right hon. Friend has said about research and development in relation to licensing arrangements.

Mr. Ron Brown

Will the Minister ensure that any surplus investment from Grampian is channelled into Leith, a community ripped apart by this Government with the closure of the Henry Robb shipyard? Will he agree—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman has made his point.

Mr. Stewart

The Government are fully aware of the problems of Leith and the hon. Gentleman will know of the success of the Leith project, a co-operative venture between the Scottish Development Agency and local authorities, in meeting those problems.