§ Mr. McLeishTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will estimate the amount of expenditure on the business investment grant scheme to be paid out in Scotland for each of the years 1988–89, 1989–90 and 1990–91.
§ Mr. Lang[holding answer 10 March 1988]: Responsibility for the new grants scheme for investment projects for small firms located within development areas in Scotland lies with the Industry Department for Scotland under section 8 of the Industrial Development Act 1982. Expenditure on the new grant will depend on demand from companies with suitable projects. But present expectation is that regional selective assistance (RSA) and related schemes, including the new investment grant, will account for some £60 million, £60 million and £80 million in 1988–89, 1989–90 and 1990–91, respectively.