HC Deb 12 April 1976 vol 909 cc412-4W
Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the value of offshore supplies contracts secured in 1974 and 1975 through the offices of the offshore supplies branch of the Department of Commerce; and what estimates of orders for the United Kingdom offshore market have been undertaken in Northern Ireland.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

It is difficult to estimate accurately the value of offshore supplies contracts secured through the Offshore Supplies Branch in Northern Ireland as these contracts are only part of the turnover of the companies concerned; however their value has exceeded £4 million. A survey to ascertain more accurately the current benefit to Northern Ireland is being prepared.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will list the numbers of staff in the employment of the offshore supplies branch of the Department of Commerce in each of the offices of the Branch;

(2) what offices and staff overseas the offshore supplies branch of the Department of Commerce share with the Offshore Supplies Office;

(3) what offices and staff of the offshore supplies branch of the Department of Commerce are located in Scotland, England and Wales, respectively.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The Offshore Supplies Branch of the Department of Commerce has its sole office in Belfast with a total staff of three officers. It does not maintain any offices or staff outside Northern Ireland.

Mr. Gordon Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what links the offshore supplies branch of the Department of Commerce have with Offshore Supplies Office; what interchange of expertise and staff takes place; and if he is satisfied with the administrative arrangements.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I am satisfied with the arrangements for liaison between the Department of Commerce and the Offshore Supplies Office. There is no interchange of staff but the head of the off-shire supplies branch in the Department of Commerce operates as Regional liaison Officer of the Offshore Supplies Office.