HC Deb 09 November 1978 vol 957 cc325-6W
21. Mr. Ernest G. Perry

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many new jobs have been promoted during 1978 in firms based in Northern Ireland, and from firms based outside Northern Ireland; how this compares with past years.

Mr. Concannon

Up to the end of September the number of new jobs promoted by the Department of Commerce during 1978 was 5,472, of which 1,774 are expected from expansions and new local projects, and 3,698 from firms new to Northern Ireland. These are the highest figures for several years. The attached table shows the number of jobs promoted by the Department of Commerce from 1973 to 1978.

In addition, the local enterprise development unit promoted 1,212 new jobs in small local firms in the year ending March 1978. This is the highest figure since 1973–74.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE JOB PROMOTIONS (CALENDAR YEARS)
Expansions New Total
1973 4,235 947 5,182
1974 4,041 765 4,806
1975 2,741 334 3,075
1976 1,828 423 2,251
1977 3,653 40 3,693
1978 (up to 30th September) 1,774 3,698 5,472