§ Mr. Hendersonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the current scope and geographical coverage of the better business services scheme.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe better business service scheme, funded by the non-quota section of the European regional development fund, has been in operation in Strathclyde region since October 1983, as a consequence of the European Commission's designation of the region as a steel and shipbuilding closure area, and in the assisted areas of Tayside region since November 1984, as a consequence of the designation of these areas as a textile closure area. Since November 1984, the scheme has also572W been operated and funded by the Highlands and Islands Development Board in its area and by the Scottish Development Agency in those areas of Scotland not otherwise covered.
The scheme makes available to small companies, defined as manufacturing companies employing 200 people or less and service sector companies employing 25 people or less, financial assistance towards nine types of consultancy services. The assistance is 55 per cent. of the cost of the consultancy up to a maximum grant of £550.