§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of elastic reservoir moulding is to be used 272W in the De Lorean car; and if he will make a statement on the research and development position of elastic reservoir moulding.
§ Mr. Giles ShawThe proportion of elastic reservoir moulding to be used in the De Lorean car is a detailed matter for the company. I understand that research and development work on elastic reservoir moulding is progressing satisfactorily.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many employees are currently employed by the De Lorean car company; and what is approximately the proportion of Catholics, employed out of the total.
§ Mr. Giles ShawSome 250. The company does not seek or hold information about the religious persuasions of its employees. The De Lorean Motor Company Ltd. has signed the declaration of principle and intent as recommended by the Fair Employment Agency.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many dealers throughout the United States of America have subscribed $25,000 worth of equity capital to the De Lorean car company and undertaken to purchase an agreed number of DC12 cars.
§ Mr. Giles Shaw311.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many De Lorean prototype cars have been made; when he expects production to commence; and when the car will be available for sale.
§ Mr. Giles ShawFive prototypes have been built mainly for test purposes and one is currently being used in the United States of America for sales promotion. Production is expected to commence in the summer of this year and the car will be launched in the United States of America in November 1980.
§ Mr. Cryerasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place a copy of the agreement between the De Lorean motor car company, the Department of Commerce and the Northern Ireland Development Agency in the Library.
§ Mr. Giles ShawNo. The agreement was concluded on a basis of commercial confidentiality