§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many visits were made to Northern Ireland in 1986–87, 1987–88 and 1988–89 by companies seeking to invest in Northern Ireland; and what were the locations visited and number of times visited, itemised by parliamentary constituency.
§ Mr. NeedhamThe number of visits made by companies considering investment in Northern Ireland during the financial years 1986–87, 1987–88 and 1988–89 was 157, 176, and 159 respectively. The locations visited within Northern Ireland and the number of visits made to each location are detailed by district council area in the table. In many instances, particularly on repeat visits to Northern Ireland for detailed discussions with the Industrial Development Board, visits have been confined to IDB house.
Information in the form requested ie by parliamentary constituency is not readily available and could be compiled only at disproportionate cost.
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Number of visits to locations within Northern Ireland by companies considering investment District council area 1986–87 1987–88 1988–89 Antrim 15 28 36 Ards 4 1 2 Armagh — 3 1 Ballymena 3 3 8 Ballymoney 2 — 5 Banbridge 1 1 1 Belfast 44 47 50 Carrickfergus 16 12 9 Castlereagh 9 1 9 Coleraine 5 3 5 Cookstown 1 1 — Craigavon 14 5 9 Down 3 1 3 Dungannon 3 3 3 Fermanagh 1 5 3 Larne 11 7 6 Limavady — — — Lisburn 12 10 12 Londonderry 5 12 10 Magherafelt 1 1 1 Moyle 6 1 1 Newry and Mourne 5 5 4 Newtownabbey 10 18 22 North Down 19 11 10 Omagh — — 2 Strabane — 1 2 Totals 190 180 214