Mr. MacMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to encourage the development of retail, wholesale and manufacturing co-operatives in Scotland.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe Scottish Development Agency is involved in a range of co-operative initiatives, particularly in support of agricultural producers and employee-owned co-operatives. It has also provided significant financial assistance to the Scottish co-operative development committee, which provides advice, training and management support.' The urban programme also supports projects aimed at developing co-operative ventures in the most deprived urban areas. Assisting the establishment or growth of community enterprises or co-operative enterprises will be one of the functions of Scottish Enterprise and local enterprise companies. The urban programme will also continue to support appropriate projects.