§ 19. Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the net number of new companies formed in Northern Ireland in the most recent 12-month period for which figures are available.
§ Dr. BoysonThe most comprehensive information on the formation of new businesses in Northern Ireland is that derived from VAT records. In 1984, the most recent year for which figures are available, the net increase in the number of VAT registrations in Northern Ireland, was 1,100. Information on new company registrations is available from the Registrar of Companies for Northern Ireland. During the period April 1985 to March 1986 there was a net increase of 179 in the number of registered companies.