§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what economic initiatives he is supporting which will encourage the development of paper processing and treatment as an industry; and if he will make a statement on the importance of the paper and board industry to Scotland in general, and Renfrewshire in particular.
§ Mr. StewartThe paper industry in Scotland has access to a wide range of advice and assistance from the Scottish Office and the enterprise network. Advice is available on, for example, exports, technology and best management practice; and regional selective financial assistance may be available for capital investment projects in assisted areas such as Renfrewshire.
The latest census of employment shows that, in 1991, the paper and board industry in Scotland employed 12,450 people, of whom 270 were employed in Renfrewshire. The industry makes an important contribution to the Scottish economy.