Defence Industries Initiative (Hansard, 11 December 1991)

§ 14. Mr. Strang
To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many direct employees of Scottish Enterprise are currently working on the defence industries initiative he announced on 14 October 1991; and if he will make a statement on the actions which have so far been taken.

§ Mr. Allan Stewart
The allocation of Scottish Enterprise staff to particular projects is a matter for the body itself. So far, a survey has been conducted of companies in the defence sector in Scotland and work is in hand to develop the best approach to assisting these companies. The nature of future activity will depend on the outcome of this work.

§ Mr. Strang
Against the background of the thousands of jobs that have been lost in the defence industries in the past couple of years, and the thousands likely to be lost in the future, is not the Government's initiative wholly inadequate? When will the Minister accept that only when the Government can find new money for research and development, retraining and investment in new facilities will there be a real impact on this serious problem in the Scottish economy?

§ Mr. Stewart
I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's criticisms for one moment. The key decisions on diversifying in defence-related companies must be taken by those companies. With regard to the work being undertaken by Scottish Enterprise, it is hoped that early in the new year there will be a version of the work being done—not including commercially confidential information. It will show the hon. Gentleman that his criticisms are wholly unjustified.

§ Mr. Michael J. Martin
The Minister will recall that when he was a Scottish Office Minister before, he offered Springburn a special initiative to help with unemployment. The demise of the defence jobs has added to the difficulties in my constituency, where many workers travel to Yarrow's and to Barr and Stroud. What action is the Minister taking to help with unemployment in the north end of Glasgow?

§ Mr. Stewart
The primary responsibility for that lies with the Glasgow Development Agency. I know that it is taking a full part in the exercise being undertaken by Scottish Enterprise. I should be happy to discuss any particular problems with the hon. Gentleman at any time.