§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what would be the aggregate cost to Exchequer funds of terminating the contracts entered into with the De Lorean motor company.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw,pursuant to his reply [Official Report, 24 July 1979, Vol. 971. c.191],gave the following answer:
The Government have made clear their intention to continue to support the De Lorean project, and there is no question of terminating their contracts with the company. Since these are legally binding any attempt by one side to withdraw from them would precipitate substantial claims for damages, of which the cost is impossible, to predict. However, the resulting settlement could well exceed the amount of support which the Government are now under contract to provide.