§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many businesses have closed down in Northern Ireland in the last 12 months; and how these figures compare with the previous three years.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw[pursuant to his reply, 4 August 1980, c. 65.] During the 12 months ending 31 July 1980, 16 firms assisted under the industries development legislation closed in Northern Ireland, compared with the following totals for the same period in previous years:—
1976–77 15 1977–78 8 1978–79 12 I regret that it is impossible to provide information on closures of other businesses in the time available.