§ 24. Mr. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to reduce unemployment in rural Scotland.
§ Mr. Gregor MacKenzieThe Scottish Development Agency, the Highlands and Islands Development Board, the Scottish Tourist Board and the Forestry Commission all have programmes which make a significant contribution to the reduction of unemployment in rural areas. In addition, the job creation and work experience programmes have played a major part, and the special measures to help small businesses announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 26th October will be of significant benefit in encouraging industrial investment and development.