HC Deb 05 March 1979 vol 963 cc543-4W
Mr. Tom McMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a progress report on the GEAR project.

Mr. Hugh D. Brown

Since the project was launched in May 1976, an early action programme of environmental improvement and industrial development has been undertaken by the Scottish Development Agency; and this together with the ongoing programmes of the other participating authorities has already brought new employment and social and environmental improvements to the area.

A consultative document—" The Future for GEAR "—was published last summer setting out key issues and possible courses of action. It was widely circulated throughout the area and discussed at a series of public meetings. The results of this process will be reflected in overall proposals for GEAR which will be considered at the next meeting of the project's governing committee. These will provide a framework for further action over the period to 1982 and beyond.