§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will consider appointing an arbiter for the dispute 198W between Gomba Stonefield Ltd. and the Scottish Development Agency relating to an alleged oral contract when Gomba bought Stonefield Vehicles on condition that Gomba agree to resume production at Cumnock.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe appointment of an arbiter in this commercial dispute would require to be by mutual agreement between the Scottish Development Agency and Gomba Stonefield Ltd. The company has, however, raised an action against the agency, which is content that the matter be settled by this means, and has made it clear that it would not regard arbitration as appropriate.
§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he now proposes to take regarding the transfer by Gomba Stonefield Ltd. of the production of Stonefield trucks from Cumnock to Rochester; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartWe are keeping closely in touch with the Scottish Development Agency, which has informed Gomba Stonefield Ltd. of its willingness to assist in continued operations at Cumnock. The Scottish Economic Planning Department made a conditional offer of grant to the company in 1981. It has since been up to the company to meet the conditions to justify its payment.