§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measurement of need he made in proposing the inclusion of the Inverness travel-to-work area in the proposed designation of the Highlands and Islands under Article 87(3)c (Tier 2) of the Amsterdam Treaty. [111330]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 22 February 2000]: The Highlands and Islands Enterprise area was proposed as a whole under Article 87(3)c in recognition of the problems resulting from its sparse population.
§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the value of regional selective assistance to enterprises in the Highlands and Islands paid in each quarter of 1999. [111331]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 22 February 2000]: In the quarter from January to March 1999, Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) payments to businesses in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise area amounted to £800,000. In the quarter April to June, no payments of RSA were made. From 1 July 1999, the administration of RSA has been the devolved responsibility of the Scottish Executive.