HC Deb 19 April 1977 vol 930 c57W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what funds from public sources were invested in Harland and Wolff Ltd., Belfast, by way of (a) loan and (b) grant prior to the appointment of Mr. Ivor Hoppe; how much was invested during his period of office; and what proportion of the total receipts of the company was represented by such funds during Mr. Hoppe's term of office.

Mr. Concannon

Grants and loans paid to Harland and Wolff Ltd. from public funds during these periods were as follows:—

(1) January 1966 to August 1971 £ million (2) September 1971 to July 1974 (Mr. Hoppe's period as Managing Director) £ million
Grant 20.0 26.5*
Loan 14.75 5.0
Total 34.75 31.5
* Includes grant and waiver of interest amounting to over £15 million negotiated prior to Mr. Hoppe's appointment, but paid while he was in post.
Government grant and loan represented about 23 per cent. of the company's receipts during Mr. Hoppe's tenure of office. If the £15 million mentioned above were excluded, the figure would be 11.5 per cent.