§ Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to stimulate the construction industry.
§ Mr. MillanI have recently invited local authorities to take up an additional £10 million of resources for construction work over the next two years primarily for comprehensive programmes of rehabilitation in areas of multiple urban deprivation, and my Department has had discussions with the building societies about maintaining the availability of mortgage funds to enable the current high level of private house building to continue. In addition, the incentives available to industry from my Department and from that of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Industry are designed to encourage investment, including new building. The Scottish Development Agency also contributes to the maintenance of employment in the industry by the exercise of its factory building and environmental functions. In the last 18 months it has announced three advance606W factory programmes costing over £13 million and approved environmental schemes costing over £16 million.