HC Deb 25 July 1986 vol 102 cc655-6W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what financial assistance has been provided by his Department for the modernisation of the Ford Motor company plant at Belfast.

Dr. Boyson

In accordance with normal practice, the form and amount of assistance offered will be published in due course inBritish Business, copies of which are placed in the Library.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had over the past 12 months with the Ford Motor Company about the future of the Ford Belfast plant.

Dr. Boyson

Officials of the Industrial Development Board for Northern Ireland have been in discussion with Ford about the future of the Belfast plant for more than two years. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State met senior Ford management in June this year to stress the importance of the plant to the Northern Ireland economy and he subsequently visited the plant on 16 July, when Ford announced its investment plan for the plant, 10 meet the local management and work force.