§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Scottish Development Agency and others concerning the effectiveness of the Coatbridge project; what consideration he is giving to widening the project geographically to cover all of Monklands district; and if he will make a statement.
798W
§ Mr. LangMy right hon. and learned Friend and I have indicated to the Scottish Development Agency that we regard Lanarkshire as an area which continues to need the special attention of the agency. In the first instance, however, it is for the agency and its partners in the Coatbridge project to consider any extension outside the geographical area at present covered or beyond the period currently agreed. I have been told by the agency that it intends to start discussions with its partners about extension in both respects soon.
Last year the agency and my Department completed a research project which established ways to measure the achievements of an area initiative. This has not yet been applied to the Coatbridge project.