§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the progress of the Scottish defence initiative with specific regard to the funds available for this purpose to Scottish Enterprise and the local enterprise companies.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 3 December 1992]: Scottish Enterprise announced on 3 September this year details of a three-year strategy to help companies adjust to falling defence orders, diversify into other markets and compete more effectively with other European contractors for remaining defence work. Based on an in-depth analysis of the Scottish defence sector, the strategy represents a significant step forward in helping companies respond to rapidly changing defence markets.
It is for Scottish Enterprise and the local enterprise companies to determine the priority and resources to be allocated to measures arising out of the initiative. Scottish Enterprise, however, attaches high priority to the initiative and measures associated with it; and it is likely, therefore, that proposals arising out of the initiative included in local enterprise companies' business plans will be given favourable consideration by Scottish Enterprise in reaching its decisions about funding support.