§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken to estimate the number of small businesses which became bankrupt as a result of the closure of the Gartcosh steel strip mill; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LangThe information required to produce such an estimate is not readily available, and could not be derived from regularly available statistical sources.
177W
§ Mr. Tom ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what account was taken when setting the rate support grant to Strathclyde regional council and Strathkelvin district council of the effects of the closure of the Gartcosh steel strip mill.
§ Mr. LangLocal authorities are compensated for any loss of rate income resulting from a plant closure through the resources element of rate support grant.