Irish Congress of Trades Unions (Hansard, 8 December 1983)

§ 2. Mr. Nellist
asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what issues were discussed when he met the Northern Ireland committee of the Irish Congress of Trades Unions on 28 November 1983; and if he will make a statement.

§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Adam Butler)
My right hon. Friend's discussion with the Northern Ireland committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions covered a wide range of economic and other issues, including several employment matters, public expenditure, privatisation, energy policy and industrial promotion.

§ Mr. Nellist
When the Secretary of State met the Northern Ireland committee, how did he explain the fact that long-term male unemployment in Northern Ireland has risen under this Government from 37 per cent. of unemployed men in 1979 to 48 per cent. now? Strabane has 50 per cent. male unemployment and unemployment in Northern Ireland is twice as high as it is in the rest of the United Kingdom. How did the right hon. Gentleman explain to the Northern Ireland committee that he expects support for sectarianism in the north of Ireland to decline, if the economic conditions of mass unemployment and poverty, which fuel that support, are not reduced?

§ Mr. Butler
Although I was not present on that occasion, I have no doubt that the members of the Northern Ireland committee and my right hon. Friend agreed that the levels of unemployment in Northern Ireland were far too high. Doubtless they might also have agreed that unemployment has an impact on security. That is why Her Majesty's Government are prepared to place the current level of financial support behind the Province. It is on the record of the meeting that the members of the committee congratulated the Government on having 449 helped to secure orders for Harland and Wolff, which is largely male employing. They congratulated Shorts on the orders which it is obtaining, again an undertaking which is largely male employing. They congratulated the Government, too, on concluding the deal with the Republic of Ireland Government on Kinsale gas, which will provide many jobs.

§ Mr. Nellist
On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it in order——

§ Mr. Speaker
Order. I shall deal with points of order afterwards. If they are taken now, time will be taken from Question Time.

§ Mr. Archer
Why is the Minister reporting on a meeting at which he was not present? Can he comment on press reports that the Secretary of State is considering the establishment of an investment bank for Northern Ireland to deal with the real problem of high interest rates? If that is so, can he indicate how is it proposed that the bank should be financed? What will be the control structure and what will be the criteria for obtaining low-interest loans?

§ Mr. Butler
First, I have said nothing which has not been said publicly before. Secondly, if an investment bank is set up it will operate on commercial lines. I imagine that interest rates will reflect that. An interest relief grant is available to the Industrial Development Board and to the Local Enterprise Development Unit, which may help when interest charges are an especial burden on a company which is trying to invest.