§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total amount of finance allocated to the Highlands and Islands Development Board by Her Majesty's Government in the years 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82 for the purpose of providing grant and loan aid to firms setting up business within the board's areas.
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherIn making allocations to the Highlands and Islands Development Board my right hon. Friend does not distinguish between board assistance to new enterprises and to existing businesses wishing to expand, and the board does not maintain separate statistics of assistance offered to projects in these categories. Total finance allocated to the HIDB for grant and loan assistance was as follows:
£ 1979–80 11,000,000 1980–81 11,480,000 1981–82 12,458,000
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many firms received grants and loans from the Highlands and Islands Development Board to set up businesses in the board's area in the years 1979–80, 1980–81 and 1981–82; and how many male and female employees gained a job and are still in employment.
10W
§ Mr. Alexander FletcherThe Highlands and Islands Development Board's statistical records do not differentiate between new and existing firms receiving grant and loan from the board, nor between male and female jobs created. Information on numbers of firms for which the board approved assistance, and on total additional employment predicted, will be provided as soon as possible.