HC Deb 13 July 1979 vol 970 cc335-6W
Mr. Harry Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many deputations he or his Ministers have had since taking office to discuss the possibility of assistance to industry.

Mr. Younger

I have had 13 meetings with representative organisations and other interested parties to discuss industrial matters, including assistance policy or the circumstances of individual firms. In addition my Ministers have had 32 such meetings.

Mr. Harry Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the total amount of aid offered by him to industries in Scotland which have required such aid; how much of that aid has been accepted; and what is the total number of jobs protected as a result.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

In the period 3 May-30 June 1979, 33 offers of assistance have been made totalling £14 million in grants with project costs accounting to £127 million. The associated number of jobs expected to be created or safeguarded is 6,829. The corresponding figures for 3 May-30 June 1978 were 29 offers of assistance totalling £3.3 million in grants with project costs amounting to £25 million, associated with the creation or safeguarding of 2,324 jobs. It is too early to provide meaningful estimates of the proportion of offers accepted.