§ 11. Mr. Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he intends to take to maintain investment and employment in Dundee following termination of the Dundee project.
§ Mr. LangDevelopment area status, supported by access to the full range of the Government's employment, enterprise and training measures, will help Dundee to attract new investment and jobs. Enterprise zone benefits remain in force until 1994 and major investment by the Scottish Development Agency in projects such as the technology park and the waterfront development guarantee substantial agency resources well beyond the end of the project.
§ Mr. WilsonIs the Minister aware that the Dundee project, which is a major investor, comes to a close at the end of this year and that there is considerable worry in the city about what will happen after that event, in terms of the level of cash and the degree of attention that the Scottish Development Agency will give to the city? Does he not realise that unemployment is still at about the 15.5 per cent. level, which is extremely high, and that there is no sign of it abating?
§ Mr. LangThe Dundee project has helped to create over 2,000 new jobs and bring over £40 million of private investment into the city. It has undoubtedly been a successful venture. The hon. Gentleman knows that the agency has already stated its intention to maintain an office in Dundee for the foreseeable future. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will give consideration to the Scottish Nationalist party standing down its candidate in Dundee, East as a contribution to its realistic approach to Dundee's problems.