§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will investigate the economic viability of manufacturing in Northern Ireland some of the drugs, medicines and appliances the provision of which cost the health boards £15,945,381 in the year ended 31st March 1977, in consultation with the Northern Ireland Development Agency.
§ Mr. ConcannonBoth the Department of Commerce and the Northern Ireland Development Agency are interested to identify investment opportunities relating to the establishment in Northern Ireland of projects to manufacture medical appliances and other medical supplies, but any such projects would have to compete in the normal way for business from the health service.