§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what economic initiatives he is supporting to encourage the development of the lace manufacturing industry in Scotland; and if he will make a statement on the importance of this industry to Scotland in general, and Renfrewshire in particular.
§ Mr. StewartThe lace industry in Scotland has access to a wide range of advice and assistance from the Scottish Office and the enterprise network. The industry has derived particular benefit from the Scottish Lace Guild, which was established in 1991 with assistance from Scottish Enterprise and Enterprise Ayrshire.
The latest census of employment shows that, in 1991, the lace industry in Scotland employed 490 people, all of whom were employed in Ayrshire. The industry makes a useful contribution to the economy of that area; I am not aware that the industry has a significant presence in Renfrewshire.