§ Mr. Welshasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what specific steps he is at present taking to encourage the growth and expansion of small firms in Scotland.
§ Mr. Gregor MacKenzieThe full range of Government incentives is available to firms throughout Scotland irrespective of size. In the current financial year selective financial assistance under Section 7 of the Industry Act 1972, amounting to £2.5 million, has been offered in respect of 86 projects in Scotland at establishments employing less than 200 people. These projects are expected to provide or safeguard 3,300 jobs.
The Scottish Development Agency has made investments in and loans to a number of small firms, and its Small Business Division provides advice to small firms on a wide range of management and technical subjects, including financial control, production engineering and marketing.
The Small Firms Information Centre in Glasgow provides a special confidential advisory service to owners of small businesses. Inquiries to that office are running at the rate of 175–200 per week.