§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take action to stimulate the local economy of Dundee following the announcement of the 250 redundancies at the Dundee factory of NCR.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherI share the hon. Member's concern about these latest redundancies. Under our regional policy the Dundee area benefits from special development area status, and qualifying capital investment attracts regional development grants at the maximum rate.
Selective financial assistance can be made available towards the creation and maintenance of more productive and long-term employment. My officials have been drawing attention to the availability of Government support for investment projects to business men in Dundee and other parts of Scotland.
§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many prospective companies were shown sites in Dundee by his Department in each of the past two years; in each year how many companies set up business as a result; and how many jobs were involved.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherIn 1979 my Department put forward Dundee as a potential site for investment to 15 companies, one of which went ahead with an investment project expected to create 850 jobs.
In 1980 my Department put forward Dundee as a potential site for investment to 19 companies, seven of which visited Dundee. Of these only one company, which has decided to proceed with its investment outside the United Kingdom, has made a final decision on site location.