7. Mr. Andy StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has had from the business community in Scotland about the Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Bill.
§ Mr. LangThe business community in Scotland has warmly welcomed the Enterprise and New Towns (Scotland) Bill and is enthusiastically participating in the groups bidding to become local enterprise companies throughout Scotland.
Mr. Andy StewartMy hon. Friend's reply confirms the impression I got last weekend when I visited Scotland for a family wedding, which was most enjoyable, and I saw for 301 myself the economic success created by this Conservative Government. Does not my hon. Friend agree that Scottish Enterprise will build on this development?
§ Mr. LangMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. It is because of the success of the Scottish economy in recent years that we are able to contemplate Scottish Enterprise, and it is because of the needs of the years ahead that we are now bringing it forward, combining the training role of the Training Agency with the economic development role of the Scottish Development Agency, and devolving it to local companies around Scotland. The enthusiastic involvement of the business community—we have now received 22 bids from groups of business men seeking to form local consortia—is very encouraging for the future of the Scottish economy.
§ Mrs. FyfeHow is the Minister responding to the views expressed by employment training trainees who have experienced grossly inadequate and irrelevant training schemes and schemes in which they have been treated as cheap labour?
§ Mr. LangWe always investigate such complaints. The hon. Lady will know that we have investigated such allegations as have come to our notice. The vast majority of such allegations have turned out to be ill founded, but where any minor deficiencies are discovered they will be dealt with in the appropriate way.