§ Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate for each of the past three years as a result of the activities of Highland Craftpoint how many persons in the Highlands and Islands not previously in employment are now working as full-time craftsmen; and how many craftsmen from other parts of Scotland and elsewhere have become resident in the area.
§ Mr. John MacKayHighland Craftpoint Ltd. advises and assists craftsmen in Scotland by providing a range of services embracing technical, marketing and training matters. These services are important for the development of a healthy craft industry in the Highland and Islands but there is no direct correlation with employment creation. Financial assistance for craft firms is provided by the Highlands and Islands Development Board and over the past three years the number of jobs created as a direct consequence of Board assistance has been as follows:
Full Time Part Time 1979 17 66 1980 18 25 1981 23 25 No information is held centrally on the number of craftsmen who have moved into the Highlands and Islands area.