§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what will be the effect on the eligibility for grants of firms setting up in the Prestwick freeport of the recent changes relating to assisted areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe Prestwick freeport is situated in the Ayr travel-to-work area which is an intermediate area on the new assisted area map. Firms throughout the TTWA will continue to have access to regional selective assistance on projects which create or safeguard jobs. In addition, firms within the area of the Ayr TTWA as defined before 27 September 1984 (which included the freeport) can continue to claim regional development grant, on the terms of the scheme then in force, on new assets provided up to 28 November 1985.