§ 11. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the number of overseas companies that have set up in business in the Province during the past three years.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerDuring the three years ending December 1982, 10 overseas companies have established plants in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonHas my hon. Friend been able to assess the cost of attracting those jobs to the Province? Is he satisfied that the financial benefits available to would-be investors in Northern Ireland are at least on a par with what is available south of the border?
§ Mr. ButlerWe believe that the package of Government incentives available in Northern Ireland, taken overall, is as good as what is on offer in the south. However, some features of the package from the Republic seem to be more attractive to would-be investors, and we are looking into that matter. I come back to one fundamental point: what is most off-putting to would-be investors in the Province is the image that they have of security and the political situation.
§ Mr. ConcannonHow many new jobs from overseas came to Northern Ireland last year?
§ Mr. ButlerThe figure for last year was very small indeed, reflecting the fact that in North America, as in Europe, the recession has virtually cut off all investment intentions. Perhaps I may tell the hon. Gentleman that in 1982 the number of jobs promoted, at 5,600, was greater than, or at least equal to, the number of jobs promoted in 1975, 1976 and 1977.