§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary or State if he will hold discussions with all interested parties in areas which have been affected by the oil and gas industries, particularly in East Aberdeenshire, before the Grampian region is downgraded to intermediate area status on 1 August.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherIt has been announced that areas which are to be downgraded by more than one step to non-assisted status will have their circumstances reviewed before the final step is taken on 1 August 1982. I have also announced, preparatory to that review, a study on the impact of oil-related developments on indigenous industries which is now under way and during which the study team will consult local authorities on the circumstances of their areas.
While I am aware of the recent and prospective job losses in East Aberdeenshire, I do not believe it would be right to depart from our reshaped regional policy or to modify the changes which are to take place this summer, which reflect our decision to concentrate effort and resources on the areas of greatest need.