HC Deb 14 May 1981 vol 4 cc872-3
6. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what royalty payments have been received to date under his Department's agreement with the De Lorean Corporation.

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Adam Butler)

The royalties are due to be paid to the Northern Ireland Development Agency quarterly in arrears. The first consignment of 313 cars was shipped on 19 April, so no royalty payments are yet due.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Does not my hon. Friend recall that, the last time he addressed the House on this matter, he assured us that the royalty payments would be forthcoming as soon as the cars were shipped? Will he bear it in mind that Mr. De Lorean has quite a reputation for running up bills? Will he chase the money up? Furthermore, have any of the cars been sold? What is this great vehicle's current daily production run?

Mr. Butler

The cars arrived in California either today or yesterday. They will be prepared for sale and I understand that they will go on sale at the end of May or at the beginning of June. The best way of interpreting the production rate is by bearing in mind that the next shipment of cars is due at the end of next week. I ask my hon. Friend to give the company the benefit of the doubt.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

What is the daily production rate?

Mr. Butler

At the end of the day my hon. Friend may be driving a De Lorean sports car up Downing Street instead of a woman's brown bicycle.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

No way.

Mr. Cryer

Given the massive public investment in De Lorean and the need to ensure regularity of payments and complete accountability, should not the Government increase the number of directors on its board? After all, in effect, the taxpayer provides the majority of De Lorean's finance. Should that not be reflected in a majority of directors and voting shares?

Mr. Butler

The hon. Gentleman will be aware of the Government directors on the board. We are entirely satisfied with the monitoring of the company.

Mr. Concannon

Given the highly unsatisfactory rate of unemployment in Northern Ireland and in the rest of the United Kingdom, may we be told how many people work for De Lorean? Can any estimate be given of the number of jobs that have been saved in Northern Ireland as a result of De Lorean? In addition, can the hon. Gentleman give any estimate of the number of other jobs saved and created not only in Northern Ireland but in the rest of the United Kingdom?

Mr. Butler

About 1,400 people are employed at De Lorean. There is some spin-off as a result of the supply of parts and other materials to the company.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of my hon. Friend's reply, I give notice that I shall raise the matter again at the earliest opportunity.