§ 1. Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on investment in advanced technology in industry in Northern Ireland.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Peter Viggers)The Government offer a range of incentives to encourage efficient production. In 1985–86 over £54 million was paid in grants, supporting investment by industry in research, development and re-equipment of £181 million.
§ Mr. BrownMay I take this opportunity to congratulate my hon. Friend on his appointment to the Northern Ireland Office and to welcome him to his responsibilities at the Dispatch Box? My pleasure is tinged with sadness because I now no longer have the pleasure of sharing an office with him. I wish him well in his duties.
Does my hon. Friend agree that investment in advanced technology in Northern Ireland is the right way forward for industrial success in the Province and that that will generate higher employment there? Will he assure us that the Government will give the highest priority to the matter?
§ Mr. ViggersI am grateful to my hon. Friend for his kind remarks. It is indeed an honour to serve in the Northern Ireland Office and a pleasure to do so with the present ministerial team.
More companies are accepting change as a way of life in business, and that augers well for the future. The Government provide considerable assistance—up to 50 per cent. or £250,000 for each project—for approved research and development, and 133 companies have taken advantage of that scheme.