HC Deb 07 December 1976 vol 922 cc179-80W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will publish details of each new Government scheme of assistance for small-and medium-sized businesses; and what new proposals he is presently considering.

Mr. Gregor MacKenzie

Financial assistance under Sections 7 and 8 of the Industry Act 1972 is available to businesses of all sizes, as are regional development grants and regional employment premium. Special help is provided for small businesses in Scotland through the Small Firms Information Centre in Glasgow, which gives information and advice. My right hon. Friend the Secretary

Mr. Harry Ewing

Excluding medical and dental staff there were 2,130—wholetime equivalents—at 30th September 1976 compared with 1,579 at the same date in 1970. Comparable information about the numbers of medical and dental staff employed is not readily available since they are commonly required to undertake duties at more than one hospital and for this reason are excluded from the routine statistical returns for individual hospitals.