§ 1. Mr. Stratton Millsasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer how much aid for under-developed countries under the recently announced £10 million scheme has been allocated to date; and how much is being provided by Northern Ireland firms.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Anthony Barber)Offers amounting to some £15 million have been made. Firm orders have so far been placed in respect of £3 million. The particular firm with which the order is placed is a matter for the recipient Government, and I understand that no order has yet been placed in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Stratton MillsIs it the Government's intention that some of this money should be used by firms in Northern Ireland? If so, what steps are being taken to publicise the operation of these facilities which the Government have put forward in this very welcome and sensible scheme?
§ Mr. BarberI think my hon. Friend will agree that the choice of supplier must remain a matter for the recipient government, but I can see no reason why Northern Ireland should not obtain a share of the orders.