§ 9. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about inward investment into Northern Ireland. [11975]
§ Mr. AncramThe year ending 31 March 1996 was the best ever for inward investment in Northern Ireland. Thirty-five projects were secured, offering 4,869 new jobs and representing total investment of £432 million. So far this year, 15 investments by externally owned companies have been secured for Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. MarshallI thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. A company told me today that, by relocating from Belgium to Britain, it had cut total costs by 40 per cent. Does that not demonstrate the job-creating policies of this Government and the job-destructive characteristics of the social chapter and a national minimum wage?
§ Mr. AncramI agree totally with my hon. Friend Again, that goes to show that the Government's policy in that area is totally right and in the interests of the people of Northern Ireland.