§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to encourage the development of industrial and commercial co-operatives in(a) Scotland, (b) Strathclyde and (c) Renfrew district; what assistance he will make available for such initiatives; what criteria he will use to assess applications for assistance; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonAbout £200,000 is paid currently from the urban programme to five workers' co-operative development projects in deprived urban areas in Scotland. Four of these are located in Strathclyde, including the Renfrew district co-operative development project with annual running costs of £42,300. Under the new urban programme guidelines issued in February, applications for funding other such projects can still be made.
Index of Production and Construction in Scotland: 1990Q1 to 1991Q4 1985 = 100 Production and construction (less oil and gas) Production industries Manufacturing Construction 1990 Q1 117.0 118.0 121.1 109.8 Q2 115.5 117.5 119.3 104.9 Q3 110.4 111.3 111.5 105.2 Q4 109.7 109.8 110.1 108.2 1991 Q1 109.0 109.7 109.2 105.5 Q2 109.4 109.8 109.4 107.5 Q3 110.9 111.2 111.9 109.2 Q4 110.6 111.0 110.7 108.7 Percentage change 1991 on 1990 -2.8 -3.3 -4.5 0.7 Source: Scottish Office Industry Department.
The 1991Q4 figure is the latest available for Scotland; the 1992Q1 figure will be published on 12 August.
The best sources of more up-to-date information on Scottish industry are the business surveys. The April 1992 CBI industrial trends survey reported that, in manufacturing, output had continued to fall in the first four months of 1992, but that the rate of decline had been slower than at any time since the end of 1990. Business confidence had improved marginally over the previous four months. The CBI survey also found that export order books had strengthened considerably since the previous survey in January and that investment in innovation and training was expected to increase over the coming year.
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§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he last met representatives of the Scottish Co-operative Development Company to discuss the promotion and development of workers' co-operatives in industry, commerce and public services; when he next plans to meet them; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartMy right hon. Friend has not met representatives of the Scottish Co-operatives Development Company, but I have agreed to meet them on a mutually convenient date. The company already has close contact with officials in my Department.