HC Deb 22 May 1981 vol 5 c185W
Mr. Mates

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd. has sought any additional financing following the recent attack on its premises.

Mr. Adam Butler

Part of the company's office accommodation was destroyed by fire started by a petrol bomb attack on 5 May 1981.No damage was caused to the main factory buildings or equipment, but for some while following the fire manning and productivity levels were severely reduced because of disturbances in the vicinity of the factory. The disruption of production and shipment of cars has adversely affected the company's cash flow.

The Department of Commerce has agreed to provide a further time-limited guarantee of £7 million in respect of the additional commercial loans which will be required to overcome the immediate cash flow problem. A claim for compensation is being pursued separately by the company under the criminal damage legislation.