To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the answer to question S1W-2607 by Henry McLeish on 30 November 1999, what is the normal margin of error, in percentage terms, used in Regional Selective Assistance calculations. Based on past experience of Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) forecasts, the margin of error, in percentage terms, for RSA expenditure is given in the table below:ForecastingTypical Margin of error1 year ahead 3 to 15%2 years ahead16 to 22%3 years ahead15 to 28%RSA is a demand led scheme with individual grants ranging in value from several thousand pounds to tens of millions of pounds.RSA is drawn down by companies in instalments linked to their progress in implementing the assisted project.