HC Deb 19 April 1994 vol 241 cc485-6W
Ms Rachel Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the proportion of Fife's economy which is dependent on defence.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 18 April 1994]: The Scottish Office Industry Department's current assessment is that between 8 per cent. and 13 per cent. of civilian employment in Fife is directly employed in defence-related work, depending on whether or not armed forces personnel are included in the calculation.

Ms Rachel Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has to deal with any further loss of jobs; and what are his proposals for strengthening the Fife economy.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 18 April 1994]: It is for the local enterprise company, Fife Enterprise, in collaboration and partnership with others in the public and private sectors, to decide in the first instance on the strategy and appropriate measures to tackle the employment and economic development needs and opportunities in the region. I am sure the local enterprise company would be happy to discuss its plans with the hon. Member should she find that helpful.

For those who are, unfortunately, made redundant or become unemployed, the full range of measures available through the local enterprise company or the Employment Service will, of course, remain available.