The latest statistics for manufactured exports from Scotland has emphasised the importance of the Scottish Government's budget and economic recovery plan to protect the Scottish economy during difficult times, Finance Secretary John Swinney said.

Yesterday he commented on statistics that show sales decreased by 1% in the third quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter.

Comparing manufactured exports in the third quarter of 2008 to the third quarter of 2007, however, sales have increased by 1.2 %.

On a visit to life sciences company Lab901 ahead of a Parliamentary debate on the Budget Bill 2009-10, Mr Swinney underlined the importance of supporting businesses in the current climate - and the Government's budget plans.

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Lab901 have benefited from advice from the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service (SMAS) - which is set to double its capacity as part of the Government's economic recovery programme.

He said:"What these statistics underline is the importance of the Scottish Government's budget and economic recovery plan - focussed on supporting jobs and businesses in Scotland - and working with all partners to maximise our economic opportunities during these difficult times.

"That is why our Budget Bill includes a substantial programme of accelerated infrastructure investment across Scotland, providing a strong economic stimulus to boost investment, with accelerated capital spending supporting 4,700 jobs to keep our economy moving."

Mr Swinney said spending decisions are designed to support increasing sustainable economic growth and helping business, as shown by our actions such as boosting the Scottish Manufacturing Advisory Service.

Joel Fearnley, Co-founder and CEO of Lab901, said: "We have come a long way since the technology was first developed and our main product is being manufactured here in Scotland, with support from Scottish Enterprise and SMAS. We could not have achieved this without the dedication of our highly skilled team and the support of our investors including Archangel, Alliance, Foresight and Scottish Enterprise."

(GK/JM)