HL Deb 25 July 1990 vol 521 c1595WA
Lord Gray of Contin

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are now able to announce which areas of the Highlands and Islands are to be targeted under the business development scheme of the Rural Enterprise Programme announced on 17th November 1989.

The Minister of State, Scottish Office (Lord Sanderson of Bowden)

I am pleased to announce that the Rural Enterprise Programme's business development scheme, which is designed to help farmers and crofters diversify into new enterprises, will operate in Wester Ross, Lochalsh, Lochaber and South-East Sutherland. Subject to parliamentary approval of the statutory instrument, locally-based project officers should be appointed this autumn, and I expect the first awards to be made under the BDS next spring. Subject to the response achieved in these areas, Minister will review the case for extending the BDS to other areas next autumn.

I have also decided that the REP's Marketing Scheme, which is designed to help farmers and crofters to market their produce more effectively, to promote a diversified business, and to publicise the benefits of improving the health status of livestock, will operate throughout the Highlands and Islands area eligible for assistance under Objective 5b of the EC structural funds. I hope that the marketing scheme will be in operation before the end of 1990.