§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what budget has been allocated to Scottish Enterprise to finance the small towns initiative; and if he will make a statement. [21548]
§ Mr. KynochThe budget allocation to Scottish Enterprise is not generally hypothecated to particular initiatives. The 1997–98 costs to Scottish Enterprise of the small towns initiative are expected to be met from its overall budget of £464 million. This budget was determined after consultation with Scottish Enterprise and, with the agreement of the chairmen of that organisation, took account of expected levels of expenditure on the initiative.