§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why, since the technical feasibility was considered satisfactory by consultants Booz, Allen and Hamilton and A. T. Kearney, it was necessary for the De Lorean Research Partnership Ltd. to enter into a contract with Lotus Cars Ltd. for the development of the DMC 12 car.
§ Mr. ConcannonThe development of the DMC 12 car involves four main categories of activity, some of which are concurrent. These are initial design and marketing analysis, experimental engineering design and market development, production engineering design—the three of which taken together could be described as basic research and development—and manufacture. The consultants' reports were based on the results of work in the first two categories, while the work to be performed by Lotus is related to the third.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if the De Lorean Research Partnership Ltd. has covenanted to supply either or both the Department of Commerce or the Northern Ireland Development Agency with copies of all detailed business plans and reports submitted to the board of directors.
§ Mr. ConcannonI shall reply to my hon. Friend as soon as possible.