§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland in view of the failure of Strathearn Audio Ltd., Belfast, to employ the expected 1,200 people by 1977, what was the cost to public funds, per employee actually employed, by the end of 1978.
§ Mr. ConcannonEmployment at the company reached 328 and, based upon this level, the cost to public funds per employee since its establishment in 1973 was approximately £32,800. This figure excludes the cost of factory premises which are owned by the Department of Commerce but includes the normal nonrepayable capital and training grants which are available to all approved industrial projects. The Northern Ireland Development Agency is currently realising the assets of the company and the proceeds will reduce the costs to public funds quoted above.