HC Deb 22 March 1982 vol 20 cc279-80W
Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether the directors of De Lorean Cars Ltd, appointed by Her Majesty's Government, had access to the company's trading figures; and at what date they were aware of its insolvency.

Mr. Adam Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 15 March 1982, c. 30]: Two of the directors of De Lorean Cars Limited were appointed by the company on the nomination of the Northern Ireland Development Agency. I understand from the agency that all the information made available by management to the board of the company was available to the two directors and, further, that the entire board of the company was satisfied, having taken appropriate advice, that the company was in a position to continue trading until 18 February 1982, on which date it invited the Department of Commerce to appoint receivers and managers under the terms of the Department's debentures.

Rev. Ian Paisley

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will now make a further statement on the future export position of De Lorean Cars Ltd, in view of the fact that the Bank of America has instituted court action to seize 1,979 De Lorean cars from the American company.

Mr. Adam Butler

[pursuant to his reply, 15 March 1982, c. 30]: I understand that the last shipment of cars by De Lorean Motor Cars Ltd to the United States of America left Belfast on 12 January 1982, and that the receivers-managers of the company will not despatch cars to the United States of America until they are satisfied that payment will be made for them.

Forward to