European Regional Development Fund (Strathclyde) (Hansard, 20 May 1982)

§ Mr. Alexander Fletcher

Strathclyde region is one of the areas within the European Community which will be eligible for aid under the special measures programme of the non-quota section of the European regional development fund recently approved by the European Commission. This means that the following activities, in areas of Strathclyde which have been adversely affected by the restructuring of the steel industry, may qualify for assistance:

(a) The improvement of the environment—this involves the reclamation of certain industrial and urban sites.
(b) The promotion of industrial innovation—this includes the improved collection and diffusion of information on both products and technology and the contribution of financial assistance towards the cost of feasibility studies, which are often a major constraint on firms' decision-making.
(c) Access, by small and medium sized enterprises to the services which allow them to enlarge their potential—consultancy firms specialising in the management and organisation of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises' may be eligible for assistance. The creation of common services for several SMEs and risk evaluation studies designed to facilitate access to risk capital may also be aided.

As already announced, of the total sum which has been allocated to the United Kingdom for the period 1981–85, some £4 million will come to Scotland. Local and public authorities will receive over £3 million with the remainder going directly to assist small and medium sized enterprises.

Workers' co-operatives engaging in activities which qualify for assistance will be eligible for Community aid.

The various forms of assistance which may be available will be publicised shortly.