§ 15. Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now able to give a date for the publication of the report of the special study of oil-related industry effects on traditional industry in north-east Scotland; and what consultation period he will allow before forming his conclusions on any resulting action he may take.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe report which we commissioned from Mr. McDowall and Dr. Begg on the performance and prospects of industries in oil-affected areas will be published in the autumn. Comments from any interested bodies or individuals will be welcome following publication, and will be taken into account in the review of the status of areas which are due to become non-assisted by August 1982 as a result of being downgraded by more than one step.