Chamber
Plenary, 22 Mar 2007
22 Mar 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Alginate Industry (Western Isles)
Enterprise, Lifelong Learning and Transport
The Executive values all such entrepreneurial activity and we pay tribute to all the young entrepreneurs out there who are building Scotland's economy. We pledge to continue to give them ever-increasing support.
It is interesting that sometimes our economic future can be rooted in our past, and I think that the alginate industry has a strong future. The last time that attempts were made to resurrect the industry, a stock market crash in the far east put paid to the resurrection. That was an example of how Scotland cannot hide from the effects of the global economy.
We wish the two individuals mentioned by Mr Morrison, and everyone else who is involved in resurrecting the aliginate industry, well for the future. We pledge to give them whatever support we can to ensure their future success.
It is interesting that sometimes our economic future can be rooted in our past, and I think that the alginate industry has a strong future. The last time that attempts were made to resurrect the industry, a stock market crash in the far east put paid to the resurrection. That was an example of how Scotland cannot hide from the effects of the global economy.
We wish the two individuals mentioned by Mr Morrison, and everyone else who is involved in resurrecting the aliginate industry, well for the future. We pledge to give them whatever support we can to ensure their future success.
In the same item of business
1. Mr Alasdair Morrison (Western Isles) (Lab):
Lab
To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment its enterprise department has made of the contribution of the alginate industry to the Western Isles economy an...
The Deputy Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning (Allan Wilson):
Lab
The Scottish Executive has undertaken no assessment of the contribution of the alginate industry to the Western Isles economy. That would be for Highlands an...
Mr Morrison:
Lab
I thank the minister for his answer and his observation. Will he join me in congratulating two enterprising young men, Martin MacLeod and Malcolm MacRae, who...
Allan Wilson:
Lab
The Executive values all such entrepreneurial activity and we pay tribute to all the young entrepreneurs out there who are building Scotland's economy. We pl...