§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was spent on aid to industry in Northern Ireland in each of the following years: (a) 1982, (b) 1981, (c) 1979 and (d) 1972; and how much of 163W the money spent on aid to industry went to firms employing (i) fewer than 50 people, (ii) between 50 and 200 people and (iii) more than 200 people.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe amount spent on aid to industry, which consists of industrial development grant, loan payments and training and job support grants, but excludes aid to Harland and Wolff and Short Bros. is set out in the following table. These are only available by financial year.
Financial Year Amount (£'000s) 1972–73 50,007 1979–80 129,254 1981–82 134,110 1982–83* 113,132 * To date. It is not possible to specify the aid given to the size of firms requested, as many of the grants are not employment related.
However, I can provide figures in respect of the local enterprise development unit, which has responsibility for job promotion in firms employing up to 50 persons. Those figures, which are also included in the preceding figures, are:
Financial year £'000s 1972–73 605 1979–80 5,035 1981–82 4,909 1982–83* 5,321 * To date.