§ 2. Mr. Chichester-Clarkasked the Minister of Technology what science-based industries will be encouraged in the Londonderry area.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Technology (Mr. Gerry Fowler)The primary responsibility for promoting new industry in Northern Ireland rests with the Northern Ireland Government. The Department keeps in touch with firms in the Londonderry area regarding their plans and no opportunity is lost of interesting firms in the possibility of development in Londonderry.
§ Mr. Chichester-ClarkIf these industries are to be created, would the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in this area towns such as Strabane and Limavady have the highest unemployment figure in the United Kingdom? Can he tell us anything about the smelter industries?
§ Mr. FowlerThe last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question should be addressed elsewhere. I must emphasise that plans for setting up manufacturing capacity in Londonderry are primarily for industrialists. They are offered inducements by the Northern Ireland Government comparable with those available in development areas in this country. We are all well aware of the problems in Londonderry.