§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of state for Industry, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, East of 26 January, what assessment he 499W made of the effect on the Grampian region, and East Aberdeenshire in particular, of the loss of assisted area status, particularly in relation to employment.
§ Mr. MacGregor[pursuant to his reply, 25 January, Vol. 35, c. 379–80] The objective of the changes in assisted area status which the Government have made since coming into office has been to concentrate the available resources of regional aid in the area of greatest need. It is too early to make any assessment of the later changes, including those in the Grampian region—as many have only recently come into effect. I am satisfied that the current coverage of regional industrial assistance correctly reflects the relative needs of the various parts of the Grampian region.