§ Mr. IngramTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the implications for the Scottish economy of proposals to privatise the National Engineering Laboratory, East Kilbride; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangFollowing the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry's announcement on 7 June, interested parties now have until 22 July to submit proposals for taking the National Engineering Laboratory into the private sector. Each proposal received will be carefully assessed by my right hon. and noble Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in consultation with my right hon. And learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.
§ Mr. IngramTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his policy towards the expenditure of public funds through the Scottish Development Agency or any other Government supported agency in support of a management buyout of the National Engineering Laboratory.
§ Mr. LangAny approach to the Scottish Development Agency by the management of the National Engineering Laboratory for assistance in support of a management buyout will be dealt with by the agency in accordance with its industrial investment guidelines. A copy of these guidelines was placed in the Library of the House when they were issued in 1980.