HC Deb 02 December 1983 vol 49 c630W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many firms to date have located in the Belfast enterprise zone;

(2) how many firms formerly located in the Belfast enterprise zone have closed down or moved elsewhere;

(3) how many firms presently in the Belfast enterprise zone were previously located outside the zone but (a)within Belfast or (b)outside Belfast.

Mr. Chris Patten

Since its designation on 21 October 1981, 54 firms have located in the Belfast enterprise zone, including three which have moved within the zone in order to expand; three firms have since ceased trading and one has moved to accommodation elsewhere in Belfast. Of the 54 firms, 20 were previously located outside the zone—17 within Belfast and three outside; 31 were new to Northern Ireland. Information is not available in respect of companies already in the zone at designation.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total estimated employment in firms presently located in the Belfast enterprise zone.

Mr. Chris Patten

The information is not readily available. In line with enterprise zone policy of reducing Government requests for statistical information, many companies are exempt from making employment returns.