§ Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether any further application for financial assistance has been received from De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd.; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Adam Butler:No application for selective assistance additional to that already notified to the House has been made by De Lorean Motor Cars Limited. The company has lodged a number of grant claims under the Industrial Investment (General Assistance) (Northern Ireland) Act 1966—as amended—under which standard grants are payable in respect of eligible capital expenditure. These are under consideration.
Mr. Cryer asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will place copies in the Library of the agreement between his Department and De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd. and the agreement between De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd. and Lotus Cars Ltd., stating the value of the contract; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Adam Butler:No. The agreement between the Department of Commerce, the Northern Ireland Development Agency, De Lorean Motor Cars Limited, De Lorean Motor Company and Mr. De Lorean was concluded on a basis of commercial confidentiality. The agreement entered into with Lotus Cars Ltd. is a matter for the company and the De Lorean Research Limited Partnership.