§ Mr. Bill WalkerTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any plans to improve delivery of support available to companies in Scotland to assist innovation. [42358]
§ Mr. KynochInnovation is crucial to competitiveness. Support to companies for innovation should be delivered, wherever possible, at the local level both to ease access and to allow integration with support available in other aspects of business strategy. In Scotland, the regional enterprise grant for innovation, which is administered by the Scottish Office, will therefore close to applications on 31 December 1995. Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise will then assume responsibility for providing similar support to small companies and will do so throughout Scotland through their local enterprise companies.
In addition to the advantages of local delivery, more extensive support will be available. Whereas the regional enterprise grant for innovation has been available only in assisted areas and certain urban areas, support from the enterprise networks will be available across Scotland.
The Scottish Office will continue to administer the small firms merit award for research and technology and support for products under research schemes in Scotland.