§ Mr. Tom Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in the light of the proposed closure of Gartcosh steel strip mill, he has invited the Scottish Development Agency to extend and enhance the Coatbridge project; and what other proposals he has for job creation in the area.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe Government regret the loss of jobs which will result from the closure of the Gartcosh mill. A number of job-creating initiatives are already underway, including the Coatbridge project, the Motherwell project, and local enterprise trusts. The Scottish Development Agency is at present reviewing the future organisation of its activities in the Coatbridge area, since the initial term of the Coatbridge project is due to expire this year. I have indicated to the agency that I expect the future organisation and intensity of agency activities in the area to take account of the effect of the closure of Gartcosh.