§ Mr. Dewarasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what grants or loans have been paid by the Highlands and Islands Development Board or other public body for which he is responsible to Mr. Emil Malak in connection with his purchase of nursing homes in Inverness and in other parts of the Highlands.
§ Mr. RifkindThe board has provided financial assistance to a company in which Mr. Emil Malak is a shareholder for the establishment of a nursing home near Beauly.
In order to preserve confidentiality, the board does not disclose details of financial assistance given to companies which are currently trading except with the consent of the company. This consent has not been obtained.
I am not aware that any other public body for which I am responsible has provided assistance to Mr. Malak in connection with any purchase by him of nursing homes in the Highlands.