§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Prime Minister whether he will make a statement on the responsibilities of the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales and the Secretary of State for Industry, respectively, on assistance to indusry, in view of the forthcoming establishment of the Scottish and Welsh Development Agencies.
§ The Prime MinisterYes. I have decided that in the new circumstances it is appropriate to transfer to my right hon.
713WFriends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Wales respectively the ministerial responsibility for selective regional assistance in Scotland and Wales under Section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 which has hitherto been exercised for Great Britain as a whole by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry. Interdepartmental planning, which will include consultation with the staff sides concerned, will start immediately to ensure a smooth transfer of administration to the Scottish and Welsh Offices and the transfer will become formally effective on 1st July 1975. In exercising their new responsibilities my right hon. Friends will work in close co-operation with the Secretary of State for Industry.
This transfer of functions in the field of industrial development will provide my right hon. Friends with the powers they need to support and guide the Scottish and Welsh Development Agencies which, as we have already announced, will be strong and effective instruments for industrial development and regeneration. My right hon. Friends will shortly be publishing their comprehensive proposals for the agencies.