§ 21. Mr. John MarshallTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about inward investment into Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. AncramThe year 1993–94 was Northern Ireland's most successful from an inward investment standpoint. The Industrial Development Board secured 13 new inward investment projects, together representing an investment potential of £259 million and 2,309 jobs.
§ 22. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is his estimate of the level of inward investment to Northern Ireland since the cease-fire; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AncramThe climate for investment in Northern Ireland from overseas has been greatly enhanced by a sustained absence of violence. Though it is too early to quantify the results in terms of new projects secured there are substantial indicators of heightened interest in Northern Ireland as an investment location—particularly in its primary target markets of the far east and the United States.
§ 23. Mr. BellinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he next expects to meet business leaders to discuss inward investment.
§ Mr. AncramMy noble Friend Baroness Denton, the Minister for the Economy, is already heavily involved in meetings with potential inward investors. Her programme last week alone included a meeting with seventy Korean businessmen and the president of a potential Japanese investor. Baroness Denton will also meet business leaders during her visits to North America and Japan. Additionally, my noble Friend meets regularly with the business organisations in Northern Ireland.