§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many written representations the Scottish Office has received which support assisted area status funding for the Falkirk Council area. [75928]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 17 March 1999]Some 26 written representations in support of the continuing designation of the Falkirk area as an Assisted Area have now been received by The Scottish Office. Comments have been made on the criteria which might be used in designating the new Assisted Areas and the geographical units which could be employed, and all such representations, of course, imply support for regional aid towards investment assistance to industry to continue to be made available. The main form of this aid is currently Regional Selective Assistance, which may only be granted in the Assisted Areas.
§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the written representations received by the Scottish Office regarding the allocation of assisted area status funds in Scotland following the current review. [75927]
§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations the Scottish Office has made to the Department of Trade and Industry in relation to the review of assisted area status. [75925]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 17 March 1999]The Department of Trade and Industry is conducting the review of the GB Assisted Areas map jointly with The Scottish Office and other Government Departments.
§ Mr. CanavanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recommendations the Scottish Office has made to the Department of Trade and Industry regarding the allocation of assisted area status funds in Scotland following the current review. [75926]
§ Mr. Dewar[holding answer 17 March 1999]None. The overall level of investment assistance to industry in the designated Assisted Areas of Scotland, primarily through the operation of the Regional Selective Assistance scheme, is met from the Scottish Block.