§ LORD TANLAWasked Her Majesty's Government whether sufficient capital is available to implement fully the proposed Oceanspan and Eurospan projects.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (BARONESS TWEEDSMUIR OF BELHELVIE)The Oceanspan and Eurospan Reports mention a number of possible projects the feasibility of which warrant further investigation in the context of the growth of container ships, the location of port associated industry in Europe generally, deep water associated with flat land on the Clyde, the industrial corridor of Central Scotland, North Sea oil potential, our prospective entry to Europe, and many other considerations.
260WA The Reports provide a range of conceptual possibilities rather than a programme of specific proposals. As my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland explained in another place on December 22, the Scottish Office and the Scottish Council are co-operating in considering what practical possibilities can be developed on the basis of the concepts embodied in the Oceanspan 2 Report. I understand the Council also propose discussions with other private and public interests.
The provision of capital for individual undertakings mentioned in the Reports would be a matter for the developers concerned who would no doubt take into account such Government assistance as was available in the particular circumstances, for example under the Local Employment Acts.