§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will instruct the Scottish Development Department to carry out a study of the impact of the 50 per cent. increase of the Selective Employment Tax and the increase in whisky duty on employment trends in areas outside the central belt of Scotland.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the effect on the Scottish road programme of the increase in Selective Employment Tax.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonNone. The road programme is regularly reviewed to see what adjustments are necessary to take account of increased costs.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the effect on the Scottish housing programme of the increase in Selective Employment Tax.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonI do not expect the programme to be affected.
§ Mr. Buchanan-Smithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the effect on tourism in Scotland of the increase in Selective Employment Tax; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonNone, but the special arrangements announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his Budget statement reflect our recognition of the importance of the tourist trade in Scotland.