§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the deferment of proposals to expand whisky distilleries in the north and north-east of Scotland will adversely affect the development of those areas; what alternative employment he will seek to provide; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RossThe creation of a very small number of jobs has been deferred as a result of these decisions. But expansions of distilleries and other projects are going ahead as planned in the north and northeast, and the Government are continuing to encourage industrial development through such means as advance factory programmes, the wider availability of financial incentives, and the introduction of the Regional Employment Premium.