§ Q40. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Prime Minister whether she will review the practices of all Departments responsible for industrial subvention with a view to aligning their practices in the matter of accountability to Parliament for public funds used by them for this purpose.
§ Sir Keith JosephI have been asked to reply.
I understand that my hon. Friend's concern is with present practices in Northern Ireland on the disclosure of details of financial assistance to individual firms. In considering future policy on this matter my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland must take into account any circumstances special to Northern Ireland as well as the practice adopted in other parts of the United Kingdom. I understand that he has this matter under active consideration and will be writing to my hon. Friend.