§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what his Department is planning to spend in the next financial year to encourage new business development in Scotland; and what was the comparable level of planning five years ago.
§ Mr. LangComprehensive figures in the form requested are not available. A wide range of programmes operated by my Department are designed, either in whole or in part, to promote business development in Scotland. However, planned provision for regional assistance schemes, which are directly linked to industrial development and wealth creation among businesses, for 1990–91 is £120 million. The Government's public expenditure plans published each year include provision for three forward years. The level of provision planned three years ago for regional assistance schemes in 1990–91 was £110 million.