§ Mrs. Bainasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is his estimate of the total number of new jobs created in Scotland during 1975–76 wholly as a result of regional incentives; and what was the total cost, net of recoverable items, to the Exchequer of such incentives.
§ Mr. Gregor MackenzieI have been asked to reply.
All Government incentives contribute to the provision of jobs but some—e.g., regional development grants and advance factory programmes—are not linked to specific numbers. It is not possible, therefore, to identify the total number of new jobs created by all regional incentives in any year. Offers of selective financial assistance alone made in 1975–76 are, however, expected to provide or safeguard 19,900 jobs; this assistance goes to industry in various forms such as grants which are taxable, loans which are recoverable, and equity. It is not practicable to give a net figure for any year.