§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many projects were aided by the Highlands and Islands Development Board in the years 1979, 1980, 1981 and 1982 respectively; and how many jobs were (a) created and (b) retained during the same periods;
(2) how many industrial factory units are being constructed by the Highlands and Islands Development Board in the area covered by its operations; and what prospects there are for these factories being taken over by in-coming operators;
(3) what proportion of the money issued in grants and loans by the Highlands and Islands Development Board to companies which went into liquidation or receivership and to persons who signed trust deeds in the period 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82, respectively, was eventually returned to the board.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe Highlands and Islands Development Board has been asked to assemble this information and my noble Friend will write to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
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§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will set up an inquiry into the operation of the Highlands and Islands Development Board, the organisation and duties of its staff, the numbers employed and the reasons for the increase of employees in the year 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy right hon. Friend has no evidence to justify the establishment of an inquiry on the lines suggested, which would be time-consuming and use resources better employed elsewhere.