§ Mr. McFallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what(a) formal or (b) informal reporting mechanisms operate to ensure that Scottish Enterprise is made aware of developments being undertaken by local enterprise councils which involve projects greater than £250,000; and how and to whom these are communicated by Highlands and Islands Enterprise or Scottish Enterprise to the Industry Department. [23064]
§ Mr. KynochA local enterprise company is required by its operating contract to refer to Scottish Enterprise or Highlands and Islands Enterprise proposals which wouldinvolve expenditure in excess of specified delegated 209W limits. The amounts of these limits vary according to the nature and purpose of the proposed expenditure, but expenditure exceeding £250,000 in any of the categories would require to be referred to Scottish Enterprise or Highlands and Islands Enterprise as appropriate.
Similarly, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise are required to refer to the Secretary of State proposals which would involve expenditure in excess of certain limits, although these limits are generally higher than those which apply to local enterprise companies. Again, the amounts of the limits vary according to the nature and purpose of the proposed expenditure, but are for the most part set at amounts above £250,000. Cases involving property acquisition have to be referred to my right hon. Friend if the expenditure involved exceeds £5 million.
§ Mr. McFallTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the project capital threshold expended by either Dumbartonshire Enterprise or Scottish Enterprise above which the Minister with responsibility for industry and local government is consulted.
§ Mr. KynochThe delegated authorities which apply to the Scottish Enterprise network vary according to the nature and purpose of the proposed expenditure. Cases involving property acquisition have to be referred to my right hon. Friend if the expenditure involved exceeds £5 million.