§ 18. Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met the chairman of the Scottish Development Agency; and what matters were discussed.
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend and I met the chairman and board of the agency on 16 May to discuss strategic issues which might be reflected in the agency's planning and budgeting process, and other matters.
§ Dr. GodmanI hope that when the Secretary of State next meets that estimable Greenockian, he will give him an assurance vis-a-vis the Hughes proposals that the SDA will continue in its present role in the Scottish economy. Is it not the case that the agency's area projects must be allowed to continue their valuable work? I remind the Minister that the Inverclyde initiative has financed and supported the Inverclyde training trust, which provides unemployed people with the skills that they will need in the enterprise zone. In that regard, the Inverclyde initiative and the Inverclyde training trust are surely an advance on Mr. Hughes and his proposals.
§ Mr. LangThe Inverclyde enterprise zone and the Inverclyde initiative represent major initiatives by the Government, administered by the Scottish Development Agency. The budget for the agency next year is £150 million. We have made it clear that we see a continuing role for the agency within the exciting prospect of the new developments that we are contemplating under the Scottish Enterprise title.