§ 53. Mr. Millanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many jobs were involved in the projects in respect of which, following the changes in financial incentives announced by the Government in October, 1970, 10 firms have reconsidered their decision to expand in Scotland.
§ Mr. RidleySince many of the projects are at a very early stage of planning, there is not sufficiently reliable information to estimate the number of jobs involved.
54. Mr. Milanasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry how many firms have indicated, since the changes in financial incentives announced in October, 1970, that they intend to expand in Scotland and would not have done so but for these changes.
§ Mr. RidleyI would not expect firms to volunteer comment to me on a hypothetical situation. Since 27th October, 1970 we have received 182 applications for i.d.c's or for assistance under the Local Employment Acts in respect of expansions in Scotland.