§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the additional funding required (a) to keep Enterprise Ulster at the present level of 1,250 for 1984–85 and (b) to increase the work force to 1,500.
§ Mr. ButlerAbout £1.75 million and £3.5 million respectively.
§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, in view of the places not taken up in the youth training programme scheme, he will take steps to divert surplus funds to Enterprise Ulster.
§ Mr. ButlerI have no plans to divert additional resources to Enterprise Ulster beyond what may be required to fund the level of activity currently being discussed with the Enterprise Ulster Board.
§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if, in view of the fact that Enterprise Ulster has systematically reduced its cost per man per year since 1980, he will take steps towards increasing the work force with additional fundings, bearing in mind the present acute unemployment situation in the Province.
§ Mr. ButlerIt is not correct to say that Enterprise Ulster has systematically reduced its cost per man per year 29W since 1980. After a reduction in job costs from £7,000 in 1980–81 to £5,870 per annum in 1981–82, costs rose to £6,034 in 1982–83 and are expected to reach £6,700 in 1983–84.
I have no plans to develop Enterprise Ulster in the forthcoming financial year beyond the level currently under discussion with the Enterprise Ulster Board.
§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether Enterprise Ulster will be offered any additional funding, following the Government announcement regarding an overall increase of 6 per cent. cash input for Northern Ireland in the next financial year.
§ Mr. ButlerNo.