§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Network about the non-publication of the new assisted areas map of Great Britain. [111327]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 22 February 2000]: I have received representations from Highlands and Islands Enterprise about various aspects of the assisted area map proposals. At the present time, the absence of a new assisted area map should have little practical impact on the processing of applications for financial assistance to business developments in the Highlands and Islands.
§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what factors underlay his proposal that the 1993 assisted area map for the Highlands should be extended from 54 per cent. to 100 per cent. [111329]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 22 February 2000]: The Highlands and Islands Enterprise area was proposed as a whole for inclusion in the new assisted areas map in recognition of the problems arising from its population sparsity.
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§ Mr. MaclennanTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what assessment he has made of the impact on proposed business developments in the Highlands of the non-publication of the new assisted areas map of Great Britain. [111328]
§ Dr. Reid[holding answer 22 February 2000]: I understand that Highlands and Islands Enterprise had prepared on a contingency basis for the possibility that there might be a delay in approval of the new Assisted Areas map and issued formal advice to Local Enterprise Companies within its area in December 1999. At the present time, there is little practical impact on the processing of applications for financial assistance to business developments in the Highlands.