§ 15. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about inward investment into the Province.
§ Dr. BoysonIn the year ended 31 March 1986 the Industrial Development Board promoted 1,482 new jobs in Northern Ireland in companies owned outside the Province. This represents just over 50 per cent. of the total number of new jobs promoted in Northern Ireland in that year, and total investment of £98 million.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonCan my hon. Friend comment on the package of financial assistance which the United States Government is proposing to give to Northern Ireland? Will he agree with me that there should be more companies such as Hughes and Dupont, rather than financial assistance?
§ Dr. BoysonWe would welcome both. We do not mind money coming into the Province which can be used for infrastructure and other purposes. We would also welcome more American investment. I remind my hon. Friend that some 27,000 people in Northern Ireland are employed in 27 firms already owned by American industrialists.