HC Deb 22 June 1993 vol 227 cc159-60W
Dr. Moonie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to improve the ease of access to innovation support programmes by small and medium sized enterprises.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 16 June 1993]: The publicity activities of my Department supplement the efforts of the Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise networks to encourage small and medium sized enterprises to apply new technology and to take advantage of support for innovation.

To improve further the supply of information for industry, Scottish Enterprise, in partnership with other bodies, is currently establishing a network of local business shops throughout Scotland.

In addition, the Government are reviewing the scope for transferring from the Department of Trade and Industry to the Scottish Office responsibility for a range of schemes in Scotland for encouraging industrial innovation and technology transfer. The object of the review will be to bring about transfer of responsibility wherever practicable, again with the aim of improving responsiveness to local needs.