§ 24. Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the specific steps he proposes to take to assist the Borders textile industry and promote diversification in the local economy in the region.
§ Mr. Allan StewartThe Government recognise the importance of the textile industry to the economy and employment in the Borders and through Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Borders Enterprise are supporting initiatives designed to assist the industry in a variety of ways and to encourage economic diversification in the area. Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Borders Enterprise are in receipt of substantial Government funds.
The Scottish Office continues to examine ways of obtaining European Community funds for economic development in the Borders.