HC Deb 08 May 2001 vol 368 c58W
12. Mr. Maclennan

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Defence concerning the impact of his Department's policies and programmes on the economic development of the highlands. [159301]

Mrs. Liddell

I have regular contact with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Defence on a range of issues. On the basis of the most recent figures available, defence expenditure in Scotland is estimated at approximately £1.8 billion and supports, directly and indirectly, approximately 60,000 jobs. My right hon. Friend is very aware of the importance of defence related contracts to the economy of the Highlands and Islands.