HC Deb 07 December 1978 vol 959 cc1602-4
6. Mr. Molyneaux

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will make a statement on his recent visit to the United States of America.

Mr. Mason

The main purpose of my visit was to attend a luncheon organised by Business Week magazine to mark the publication of its special supplement on Northern Ireland in its edition of 23rd October. This was consequently a most valuable opportunity to present Northern Ireland's case to senior executives of substantial American corporations interested in overseas American corporations interested in overseas investment, and also to hold detailed discussions with a number of firms which are currently planning specific investment projects

Mr. Molyneaux

Is the Secretary of State able to give some indication of the extent of additional investment by American companies already in Northern Ireland? Second, can he give an estimate of investment expected by undertakings not yet operating in Northern Ireland?

Mr. Mason

There has certainly been a quickening of interest in the Province among American companies. I pay tribute to the work of my right hon. Friend the Minister of State in his investment drive in Western Europe and in America. I have also been in America and Japan on the same campaign. This year, 29 American firms have visited Northern Ireland for the first time, compared with two over the whole of last year. Five new American companies have come into Northern Ireland for first time. They are investing £180 million in Northern Ireland and they will generate 3,500 jobs. That is the measure of the success that we are having for those companies which come, see for themselves, cross the threshold of disbelief, and then, on their own hard-headed business criteria, decide to invest in the Province.

Mr. Neave

Is the Secretary of State aware that we welcome the hard work that he and the Minister of State have done to stimulate future interest by American companies in the possibility of viable enterprise in Northern Ireland? Will he take urgent action to counter IRA propaganda among American businessmen, particularly about the disgusting protest that has been made?

Mr. Mason

Yes. I indicated to the House yesterday how we were countering that. Our ambassador in Washington has been aiding us in that campaign. I hope that the hon. Member and the House will recognise that we have managed to counteract that propaganda, because we can prove how many potential investors have come to the Province. We sponsor their visits and encourage them to come to see for themselves. Once they are there and see that the Province is returning to normality, there is a chance of investment.