HC Deb 23 February 1998 vol 307 cc64-5W
Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many jobs in Northern Ireland she estimates are(a) directly and (b) indirectly dependent on the oil and gas industry. [29851]

Mr. Ingram

The information which is available groups together the oil and gas industry and wholesale dealing in coal. The latest figures, from the 1995 Census of Employment, show 1,604 jobs directly associated with these activities. No estimate is available for jobs indirectly dependent on these industries.

Mr. Beggs

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment she has made of the impact of past increases in taxation on the total number of oil and gas related jobs in Northern Ireland. [29797]

Mr. Ingram

None.