asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make assistance available to the Cooperative Wholesale Society (Furniture Manufacturing Shieldhall, Govan, Glasgow) in order to maintain its operation in Govan; and if he will make a statement.

My Department has had many dealings with the Co-operative Wholesale Society in the past and provided financial assistance towards a number of the society's investment projects in Scotland, including a large scale redevelopment at Shieldhall. The society is, therefore, fully aware of the availability of Government support for investment, but has not made any further request for assistance.