§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the establishment of Scotland Europa; what is its annual budget; how many staff it is envisaged that it will employ(a) in Scotland, (b) in Strasbourg, (c) in Luxembourg, (d) in Brussels, (e) in London and (f) elsewhere in the financial years 1992–93, 1993–94 and 1994–95; what aims and objectives he has set it; what measurement techniques and criteria he will use to assess its performance; how he will hold it accountable in the public interest; and what plans he has to develop the concept further.
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§ Mr. Allan Stewart[holding answer 11 June 1992]: My right hon. Friend was delighted to be able to be present at the launch of Scotland Europa in Brussels on 26 May. Scotland Europa has been set up as a subsidiary of Scottish Enterprise to provide a representative centre for Scottish organisations in Brussels. Clients who use Scotland Europa's services will be able to obtain early and accurate information about developments in Community policies and to develop better access to the Commission and contacts within other member states. The benefits for Scotland will include a strengthening of Scottish involvement in Community programmes, and the raising of Scotland's profile as a region within Europe.
My right hon. Friend and I have been most impressed by the enthusiasm with which Scottish organisations both public and private have welcomed the initiative. This enthusiasm augurs well for Scotland Europa's future success.
Budgetary, staffing, monitoring and other administrative arrangements are matters for Scottish Enterprise, and I have asked the chairman to write to the hon. Member.