HC Deb 11 March 1981 vol 1000 cc318-9W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why officials from the Northern Ireland Development Agency and the Department of Commerce were not present at the meeting between himself and Mr. J. De Lorean in August 1980 when a loan of £14 million was agreed.

Mr. Adam Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 10 March 1981, c. 315]: My right hon. Friend's purpose in meeting Mr. De Lorean was to inform him of the Government's decision to make available a loan of up to £14 million, if suitable conditions could later be agreed between officials and Mr. De Lorean's advisers. The Parliamentary Undersecretary of State and an official also attended the meeting.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place in the Library a copy of the reports provided by McKinsey and Company on the De Lorean Car Company.

Mr. Adam Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 10 March 1981, c. 315]: No. The reports contain commercially confidential information.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how attempts to raise further money by the issue of shares will affect the Government holding in the De Lorean Car Co. Ltd.; and what is the relationship between the Northern Ireland company and the De Lorean Car Co. Ltd. of America.

Mr. Adam Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 10 March 1981, c. 315]: I refer the hon. Member to my answer to him on 10 February.—[Vol. 998, c. 326.] The United States registered De Lorean Motor Company is the owner of the ordinary share capital of the Northern Ireland registered company De Lorean Motor Cars Limited; it provides full technical support to the Northern Ireland company and has an exclusive arrangement to sell the De Lorean cars in North America.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many employees of the Lotus Car Co. Ltd. are working on the development and production of the De Lorean DMC 12; and what is the value of the contract with the Lotus Car Co. Ltd.

Mr. Adam Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 10 March 1981, c. 316]: These are matters for the companies concerned.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many houses have been provided for executive and managerial staff of the De Lorean Car Co. Ltd. and at what cost.

Mr. Adam Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 10 March 1981, c. 316]: I understand that seven houses in Northern Ireland have been purchased by the company and leased to members of staff. The cost is a matter for the company.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what fees are received by Mrs. De Lorean, and what services are provided by her for the De Lorean Car Co. Ltd.

Mr. Adam Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 10 March 1981, c. 316]: This is a matter for the company.

Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland who employed the consultants A. Kearney in examination of the De Lorean project.

Mr. Adam Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 10 March 1981, c. 316]: I understand that A. T. Kearney Inc. was commissioned to analyse the De Lorean Motor Company's business plan by the Economic Development Administration of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.