HC Deb 15 November 1989 vol 160 cc359-60W
67. Mr. Summerson

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what response he has received from the business community in Scotland to the establishment of Scottish Enterprise.

Mr. Lang

There has been an enthusiastic and broad-based response to our proposals, which aim to integrate economic development, training and environmental renewal to form a Scottish solution to Scottish needs. To date six groups, led by senior business people, have applied for funding to meet the costs of developing local enterprise companies. The actual establishment of Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise will require legislation, for which we shall seek an early opportunity.