§ 19. Mr. Bradfordasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce legislation in Northern Ireland which will enable him to assist servicing industries should they apply for Government loans or grants.
§ Mr. OrmeThe Government are already empowered under the Industries Development Acts (N.I.) 1966 and 1971 to provide assistance, including loans and grants, to any undertaking providing employment, but it remains the Government's policy to concentrate discretionary financial assistance on the manufacturing sector.
§ Mr. BradfordDoes the Minister accept that there is still a degree of ambiguity, because in recent discussions with the Department we were told that no legislation existed to facilitate him in assisting the service industries, yet we are told that this is now a matter for discretionary power. Will the Minister try to remove this ambiguity.
§ Mr. OrmeI have examined this proposal following a visit by the hon. Member for Antrim, North (Rev. Ian Paisley) who raised the matter with me. Powers exist to assist the service industries, but 1480 we feel that the main burden of creating permanent employment must be placed on the manufacturing sector. We have only a limited amount of money, and we are concentrating on that sector.
§ Mr. McCuskerHow many jobs does the Minister hope to generate in the manufacturing sector of Northern Ireland during 1976?
§ Mr. OrmeWe are examining this matter. I was recently able to announce the establishment of 200 new jobs in the area of Newry. I am not in a position to give a forecast figure, but as soon as the figures are available I shall give them to the House.