HC Deb 16 June 2003 vol 407 c81W
Mr. Donaldson

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are employed by Invest Northern Ireland. [109987]

Mr. Pearson

As at 30 March 2003 Invest Northern Ireland had 709 staff plus a further nine engaged on local contracts in its overseas offices.

Mr. Dodds

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assistance Invest Northern Ireland has given in the past year to existing businesses in North Belfast to enable them to remain viable. [119039]

Angela Smith

In the financial year from 1 April 2002 to 31 March 2003, Invest Northern Ireland has offered a total of —8,630,000 to businesses and their support organisations in the North Belfast parliamentary constituency.

In addition to direct financial support, Invest Northern Ireland funds a range of programmes operating within North Belfast which are aimed at encouraging both new business start-ups and existing business growth.