§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to review his decision to provide partial funding for support of representatives of non-governmental organisations at President Clinton's investment conference, to be held in Washington DC from 24 to 26 May; and if he will make a statement. [24857]
§ Mr. AncramNone.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on President Clinton's investment conference to be held in Washington DC in May; and how he intends to maximise the returns for all delegates from Ireland, north and south; and what plans he has for de-briefing, follow-up meetings and dissemination of the results of the aforesaid conference within Northern Ireland. [24861]
§ Mr. AncramThe White House conference for trade and investment in Washington offers considerable potential for more investment in Northern Ireland and the six border counties of the Republic of Ireland through new inward investment, trade, business partnerships, technology transfer and tourism. This potential will be released through the various breakout or workshop sessions, individual meetings with key business people and networking at various functions.
Following the conference there will be full follow-up on all prospects for trade, inward investment or technology transfer.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make available the resources and facilities of Her Majesty's Government's Departments and agencies by way of access to briefings, meetings, and exhibitions organised by Her Majesty's Government's Departments and agencies to assist and facilitate the participation of the representatives of voluntary organisations and community groups, at 357W President Clinton's investment conference in Washington DC; and if he will make a statement. [24858]
§ Mr. AncramOfficials in Northern Ireland Departments and agencies have already participated in briefings of community group representatives in preparation for their attendance at the White House trade and investment conference in Washington.
During the conference, officials will be available to provide information and advice for the purpose of facilitating the participation of all representatives.
§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has for the support of the participation of the community and voluntary sector representatives invited to attend President Clinton's investment conference in Washington DC. [24856]
§ Mr. AncramSome financial assistance will be available through the Northern Ireland voluntary trust to community and voluntary sector representatives to enable them to participate in the conference.
A break-out or workshop session has been offered by the conference organisers to provide an opportunity for bringing together the interests of those involved in community development activities in Northern Ireland with those of business leaders from both sides of the Atlantic. Support has also been provided by officials involved in briefing community sector participants.