HC Deb 10 April 1973 vol 854 cc270-1W
Mr. McMaster

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will list those businesses in relation to which the Ministry of Commerce has refused, withheld or recovered payment of contributions under Article 2 of the Aid to Industry (Amendment) Order (NI) 1972.

Mr. David Howell

Under the provisions of Article 2 of the order, the Ministry of Commerce has withheld payment of one contribution and recovered a contribution in another case. It would be contrary to the normal rule of confidentiality in such dealings to name the two businesses.

Mr. McMaster

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will list the businesses that have had their registration transferred under Article 2 of the Aid to Industry (Amendment) Order (NI) 1972.

Mr. David Howell

Fifteen registrations have been transferred by the Ministry of Commerce under Article 2 of the order. To list the names of the businesses concerned would breach the normal confidentiality between the Ministry and individual firms in such matters.