HC Deb 14 April 1983 vol 40 cc931-2
17. Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to bring into beneficial use the industrial complex formerly occupied by the De Lorean Car company.

Mr. Adam Butler

The industrial complex of DSQ Property Company Ltd., formerly De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd., is under the control of the joint receivers of the company. The Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland has been co-operating fully with the receivers in their efforts to dispose of the site and buildings to another industrial user.

Mr. Ross

Does the Minister agree that these are excellent premises, in which a great deal of public money has been invested? Will he give whatever help he can to the receiver and the Industrial Development Board to make sure that the premises are occupied again as quickly as possible?

Mr. Butler

We believe that the receiver is doing everything possible to achieve what the hon. Gentleman wishes.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

While I fully endorse the views expressed by the hon. Member for Isle of Wight (Mr. Ross), will my hon. Friend tell the House why the Government did not act sooner over the investigations into De Lorean, when it would have been possible to save that company, save employment, put new management in, and ensure that the 2,000 people employed by that company continued in employment? I have endeavoured to obtain information from the Attorney-General, but without success and with no co-operation from him at all.

Mr. Butler

I know that my hon. Friend has taken a close interest in the affairs of that company for a long time, but I cannot accept that what he says is necessarily correct.

Mr. Winterton

Well it is.

Mr. Soley

Given the terrible effect of unemployment in that area and the effect of the collapse of the De Lorean Car company, what positive steps has the Minister taken to introduce work into that area to make up for the loss of jobs that was caused by that collapse?

Mr. Butler

In addition to the attempt to interest another industrial user in the premises, the hon. Gentleman will be aware that that area, particularly west Belfast, is subject to the highest level of incentives, and that, I hope, will attract a disproportionate amount of investment.