§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many Northern Ireland firms have been assisted by the Local Enterprise Development Unit since its inception; what has been the nature of the assistance; and if he will list the names of the firms and their location, along with the products produced by each.
§ Mr. Giles ShawSince its creation in 1971, until 20 November 1980, the Local Enterprise Development Unit has offered assistance towards 924 projects—both new establishments and expansions—in Northern Ireland, involving the promotion of some 10,750 jobs. Although no precise records are available about the origin of the promoters of these projects, the LEDU believes the vast majority to be of Northern Ireland origin. Assistance has been made available in the form of grants, loans, loan guarantees and the provision of factory accommodation. I have arranged for the LEDU to send a list of the names of assisted firms, their locations and their products direct to the hon. Member.