De Lorean Motor Car Project

HC Deb 28 November 1980 vol 994 cc194-5W

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when he expects to announce the next tranche of cash for De Lorean.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The final instalment of the loan of £14 million agreed in August is due for payment in December 1980. I have no proposals in respect of further assistance.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much public money has so far been committed to the De Lorean car project.

Mr. Giles Shaw

The Northern Ireland Department of Commerce has offered selective assistance totalling £49.2 million, of which £20.7 million is in the form of repayable loans. The Northern Ireland Development Agency has subscribed £17.757 million in the form of redeemable preference share capital.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many people are actually currently employed in Northern Ireland on the De Lorean project.

Mr. Giles Shaw

I understand that the number employed on 24 November 1980 was 488.

Mr. Adley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much money, commited to De Lorean, has been respent by it with Lotus Cars in England.

Mr. Giles Shaw

This is a commercial matter between the two companies.