HC Deb 02 February 1987 vol 109 cc534-5W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now examine proposals for the Banff and Buchan constituency to be restored to full development area status; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lang

My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to review the assisted area status of Banff and Buchan. The present assested area structure was established only two years ago after a comprehensive review of regional policy and the assisted area map. In the interest of maintaining stability in regional incentives, the Government have concluded that it is too early for changes to be made to the present structure.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will reconsider the restoration of development area status to the Grampian region; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lang

My right hon. and learned Friend has no plans to reconsider the assisted area status of Grampian region.

The present assisted area structure was established only two years ago after a comprehensive review of regional policy and the assisted area map. In the interests of maintaining stability in regional incentives, the Government have concluded that it is too early for changes to be made to the present structure.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the extent his responsibilities for the designation of, or the restoration to, development area status in Scotland.

Mr. Lang

Assisted areas in Great Britain are designated by order made by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry. Decisions on the coverage of the assisted area map and the designation of individual areas are taken in consultation with other relevant Ministers, including my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. Questions and representations about assisted areas in Scotland are dealt with by the Scottish Office.