MSP PUSHES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND AS A PRIORITY (Jim Hume)

MSP PUSHES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FOR THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND AS A PRIORITY

February 7, 2008 12:00 AM

Jim Hume, MSP for the South of Scotland today sought assurances from the Scottish Government during Question Time that economic development in the South of Scotland following the restructure of the Scottish Enterprise network is top of the agenda.

Jim Hume said:-

"I've always said that sustainable economic development is key in bettering the future of any region.

"The South of Scotland has so much economic potential - it might be in the form of tourism with visitors to Edinburgh adding a scenic East Lothian day trip to their holiday, it might be textiles in the Borders, it might be aerospace technology in Lanark and Ayr, and it might be research, development and higher education in Dumfries and Galloway.

"Whatever the sector, the South of Scotland needs the dedicated focus of our Enterprise Minister.

The MSP continued:-

"Following the Scottish Government's restructure of Scottish Enterprise which will see local enterprise companies abolished, I am specifically seeking assurances that economic development is uninterrupted when the new Scottish Enterprise Board for the South of Scotland and that its scheduled start time of April 1st this year is achieved.

"I also pressed the Minister to ensure that small businesses in the South are not disadvantaged, as the Government seems to want to focus on high growth businesses.

"The South's economy is built on small businesses, and they deserve support as much as any large business.

"The South of Scotland needs people working for it, it needs people who know the region and it needs people who can make decisions for its economic benefit and successful future development."