§ 10. Mr. McAvoyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what representations he has had from the Local Enterprise Development Unit about the issue of non-assisted local firms competing with assisted firms.
§ Mr. AncramNone.
§ Mr. McAvoyDoes the Minister share our fears that the Government's agenda for the Northern Ireland economy has not fully recognised the need to consult widely with local business leaders and community and voluntary groups in order more accurately to reflect the need to target available resources on area of special need?
§ Mr. AncramThe hon. Gentleman is right about the need to consult widely on how to take advantage of the new peaceful situation in Northern Ireland and the beneficial effect that we hope that it will have on the economy of Northern Ireland. He will be aware that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister chaired an investment conference in Belfast before Christmas. There will be further consultation with representatives of the local councils in Northern Ireland shortly. We obviously wish to hear from others where best they think that any incoming funds can most effectively be applied. The Government have also made it clear that the targeting of social need in Northern Ireland will remain a main priority of our policy.