HC Deb 27 January 1988 vol 126 cc275-6W
18. Mr. Andrew Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many firms in the Arbroath travel-to-work area applied for regional development grants in 1987.

Mr. Lang

In 1987 applications for revised regional development grant were received from 28 firms in the Arbroath travel-to-work area. Information on applications under the old regional development scheme is not available.

24. Dr. Reid

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received on the announcement on the withdrawal of regional development grant for Scotland.

Mr. Lang

I have not received any representations following the announcement of the ending of regional development grant for Scotland.

31. Mr. McCleish

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the likely impact of recent changes in regional aid policy on the attraction of inward investment to Scotland.

Mr. Lang

Scotland is an attractive location for inward investment. Since 1981 Scotland has attracted £2.6 billion of planned investment with related employment amounting to 46,000 jobs. I am satisfied that the change in regional assistance announced recently together with Scotland's other attractions will enable us to be similarly successful in the future.

39. Mr. Ernie Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the effect of the changes announced on 12 January 1988,Official Report, columns 145–47 on the one-door approach adopted by the Dundee project.

Mr. Lang

The changes announced by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 12 January 1988 will improve the effectiveness of the work of the Dundee project. The administration of the new Department of Trade and Industry advisory service in Scotland by the Scottish Development Agency, allied to the agency's new regional structure, will increase the range of business support services on which the Dundee project can draw.

40. Mr. Douglas

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on any changes in the relationship between his Department and the Scottish Development Agency as a consequence of the recently announced proposals to alter regional financial assistance.

Mr. Lang

As I announced on 13 January 1988 in the context of the launch of the Industry Department for Scotland booklet "Regional Development: Encouraging Enterprise in Scotland", the agency will, together with the Highlands and Islands Development Board, act as agent for the Department of Trade and Industry's business development initiatives in Scotland. It will also take over from April 1988 the administration of the better business services scheme in those parts of Scotland where it is currently administered by my Department. Otherwise, there will be no changes in the present relationship between the Scottish Office and the Scottish Development Agency.

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