§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has as to the number of companies and new ventures which were granted financial aid by the Highlands and Islands development board and which have (a) gone into liquidation, (b) had a receiver appointed and (c) had a trust deed signed; and what was the total (i) grant aid and (ii) loan granted to these companies in each of the last three years.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThis information is not readily available in the form requested. I shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list in the Official Report the amounts of aid advanced to new and existing companies and individuals by the Highlands and Islands Development Board in each of the last three years.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherHighlands and Islands development board statistical records do not differentiate between assistance given to new and existing companies. However, the total assistance provided by the board over the last three financial years was follows:
£ 1979–80 11,515,000 1980–81 11,467,000 1981–82 13,297,000
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give a general direction to the Highlands and Islands Development Board not to assist industrial schemes such as fish canning which may compete with marginal operations elsewhere in Scotland.