§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the accounting procedures of the Highlands and Islands Development Board; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. John MacKayYes. The Accounts of the Highlands and Islands Development Board are audited annually by the National Audit Office and certified by the Comptroller and Auditor General. Opportunities for improvement in practice and presentation of the Accounts are drawn to the board's attention by the National Audit Office. The board itself has established an internal audit unit and is preparing to introduce a computer based accounting system in 1985. Procedures are therefore subject to continuing review to meet changing requirements.
§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretar of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the record of the Highlands and Islands Development Board in its disbursement and investment of public money; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John MacKayYes. Bearing in mind the economic fragility of the area within which the board operates, its record is more than satisfactory. In the 10 years to 31 December 1982 the board provided loan, grant and equity assistance totalling £159 million, at 1982 prices. The board estimates that this investment has generated a corresponding contribution from the private sector of £258 million, also at 1982 prices, and has created or retained over 22,000 jobs. The Government's continuing support for the board's efforts is reflected by the recent announcement of a significant increase in the board's provisional grant-in-aid for 1984–85.
§ Mr. Michael Forsythasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the population of the area covered by the Highlands and Islands Development Board; and if he will list, for each of the past five years, the grants paid to the board along with any other payments specifically made for the benefit of the highlands and islands.
§ Mr. John MacKayThe latest estimate of the population of the area covered by the Highlands and Islands Development Board is 340,208 as at June 1982. The board's grant-in-aid provision for the past five years has been as follows:
£ million 1979–80 17.4 1980–81 20.0 1981–82 22.9 1982–83 27.5 1983–84 29.8 Full details of other payments from public funds specifically made for the benefit of the highlands and islands could only be provided at disproportionate cost.