§ 4. Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will instruct the Ulster Department 602 of Commerce to drop claims for compensation from firms forced to cease trading through intimidation and terrorist activities.
§ Mr. OrmeNo, Sir. The Department of Commerce gives assistance to firms under the Industries Development Acts (Northern Ireland) 1966 and 1971 on conditions which may include a commitment to maintain employment for a specific period. If a firm closes during that period it may be right for it to be required to repay all or part of the assistance received.
§ Mr. RossI thank the Minister for his answer. Further, I thank him for having seen me personally over the case that I have in mind. Does he agree that firms which were attracted to Northern Ireland on the favourable terms offered to them in years gone by and which have had to cease their activities largely because of intimidation or terrorist activities will now be faced with substantial claims, running into many thousands of pounds, under the terms of the leases into which they entered? Surely in all the circumstances that will be an unfair burden on the firms involved.
§ Mr. OrmeI thank the hon. Gentleman for what he said, but I must state that it was not through terrorism that the firm that he has in mind withdrew. It was because of other difficulties, not least labour relations. In our opinion that difficulty could have been resolved much more readily and much earlier if the firm had recognised trade unions in the way which is normally accepted in 1974. Unfortunately, it did not do so and it has now withdrawn. The Government have a responsibility to protect Government money in those circumstances.