Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was expended out of public funds sent to delegates to the Washington investment conference. [28981]
§ Sir John WheelerFinancial assistance was provided by the Industrial Development Board only to those408W business representatives who qualified under existing marketing programmes. Companies qualifying under this support through the matchmaker programme totalled 34 and assistance of up to £500 per attendee is available. So far, no financial support has been drawn down. Assistance of up to £500 per attendee was also provided to the voluntary sector. To date, £18,500 has been expended.
The Secretary of State and two Northern Ireland Office Ministers attended the conference, along with a number of senior officials and chairmen of Government-funded agencies. While in the United States, a number of the attendees at the conference undertook other official arrangements. Costs of attending the conference are being collated and apportioned to reflect this. I will write to the right hon. Gentleman with these details.