§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the current plans for industrial development in the North Down area over the period 1975 to 1980; and what is the projected number of additional jobs expected to be provided.
§ Mr. OrmeIn recent years, a diversified industrial base has been established in the North Down area with Government assistance which has resulted in a high level of employment. It is expected that for the foreseeable future additional employment opportunities will be provided mainly from the expansion of existing industry which is already taking place in the area. While it is not possible to forecast the overall number of additional jobs which may be provided, current agreements for assistance under the Industries Development Acts (Northern Ireland) 1966 and 1971 from the Department of Commerce to individual firms hold out the prospect of about 2,000 new jobs in the area.