§ 8. Mr. Maloneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received from Grampian regional council concerning the effects of regional policy on employment in the Grampian region.
§ Mr. Allan StewartNone directly, although I am aware of representations that the council has made to the Department of Trade and Industry on this subject.
§ Mr. MaloneMy hon. Friend will be aware that there is some concern that jobs are being poached from Grampian region by other areas in Scotland which receive assistance. Can he confirm that the Scottish Development Agency office in Aberdeen, which has been accused of poaching these jobs, has done no such thing? Secondly, can he confirm that that office has been instrumental in attracting substantial amounts of investment and industry into the north-east of Scotland?
§ Mr. StewartI can confirm that the SDA has denied allegations of poaching, and I pay tribute to its success in the north-east since opening the Aberdeen office. The agency has committed assistance to a variety of projects in the north-east, to the value of almost £8 million.