HC Deb 03 July 1980 vol 987 cc670-1W
Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to give funds to the British Youth Council in Scotland; what funds were given by his Department last year; how much he proposes for this year; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Younger

Grants totalling £5,473 were paid to the British Youth Council (Scotland) in 1979–80, and the council has accepted an offer of grant not exceeding £13,400 in 1980–81. The payment of grants in future years will depend on various factors including the ability of the council to raise funds from other sources and to achieve the aims set out in its constitution.

Year Number of firms Estimated employment at May 1980 Potential employment
1977 … … 7 340 640
1978 … … 7 675 1,090
1979 … … 8 360 1,350

In addition, during the years 1977–79, foreign companies already established in Scotland undertook 51 expansion projects known to the Scottish Office, with potential employment estimated at 8,400.

Mr. Allan Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the expenditure on attracting foreign manufacturing investment to Scotland in 1977, 1978 and 1979.

Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Details of expenditure on regional selective financial assistance offered by the Scottish economic planning department under section 7 of the Industry Act 1972 to foreign companies undertaking manufacturing investment in Scotland are set out below:

£m
1977 6.1
1978 7.8
1979 14.7

In addition to this financial assistance and that provided by other Government Departments and agencies, expenditure is incurred on the promotion of Scotland abroad. Such promotion is often linked with the development of trade and tourism and is undertaken by a number of statutory bodies, including the Scottish Development Agency, new town development corporations, the Highlands and Islands Development Board and local authorities. Scotland also benefits from the wider United Kingdom promotional activities of the Department of Industry's Invest in Britain Bureau and of the consular posts abroad. In these circumstances the total cost of attracting inward investment to Scotland is not readily identifiable.